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

By Robert O'Connor, Press Association

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 enjoyed it.”

Chelsea’s attacking trio were irresistible at times in the west London derby, the combinations between Rogers, Palmer and Joao Pedro seemingly defying the fact this was their first time playing together.

Joao Pedro’s goal after 31 seconds gave them the perfect start and though an error from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez allowed Josh King to equalise, Rogers’ goal restored the lead before the excellent Palmer made it three.

Of more concern for Alonso, however, will be the encouragement Chelsea gave to Fulham in allowing them back in. It was a questionable defensive display, encapsulated by handing the hosts an avoidable goal via debutant Gonzalo Garcia from another Sanchez blunder.

“It was a great game to play in,” said Rogers. “I thought the quality of our play was excellent and it was so enjoyable out there.

“Fulham is a difficult place to come to, and they played really well, but we had that fight, that grit and I think we were the better team on the night.”