Liam Delap in talks with Nottingham Forest as Chelsea exit grows nearer

Liam Delap is growing nearer to a Chelsea exit, with the striker in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest, the Press Association understands.

The 23-year-old son of Irish international Rory Delap had his squad number reassigned ahead of the new season and has been training separately from Xabi Alonso’s main group, having been told he is not in the new manager’s plans.

Chelsea are holding out for a £50 million fee for a player they signed for £30 m from Ipswich a year ago, despite the fact he managed only two goals in all competitions last season.

PA understands talks began on Monday between Delap’s camp and Forest. Should the move go through, he would provide competition up front with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.

Chelsea opened their new Premier League campaign with a 3-2 win over west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Morgan Rogers, a summer £117 million buy from Aston Villa, got the Blues’ second goal to restore their lead late in the first half, and contributed to a scintillating attacking display alongside Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.

It handed new manager Xabi Alonso victory in his first game in charge and hinted at what is to come from the team under his stewardship.

Rogers managed 82 minutes on his first competitive appearance since England’s wild victory over France in the World Cup third-place match five weeks ago.

“Coming to a new team, you don’t want to come in sluggish and off the pace, so I tried to keep myself in the best shape as possible and I’ve tried to get up to speed as quickly as I can,” said Rogers.

“I still think there are more gears to go, and I’ve got to try and find them as quickly as possible because the games are coming thick and fast.

“But I felt good out there and I