Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race for Ipswich Town attacker Liam Delap.
The youngster is also wanted by Arsenal, who are targeting the Tractor Boy as backup for first-choice option Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon.
Delap has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the English top flight despite his side’s struggles, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists across 34 matches.
Despite the best efforts of the England Under-21 international, Ipswich were unable to avoid relegation and will play Championship football in August.
Sitting 18th in the Premier League standings, Kieran McKenna‘s men have three more games remaining before they can jet off on their summer holidays.
Forest join Man United, Arsenal in Delap hunt?
According to Football Insider, a new Premier League club has joined the hotly-contested race for the services of Ipswich man Delap ahead of the summer.
The report claims that Nottingham Forest – in the midst of a battle for a Champions League spot – have thrown their hat in the ring for the 22-year-old.
It is understood that the Tricky Trees want to bring Delap to the City Ground as ‘cover and competition’ for current leading marksman Chris Wood.
Should Forest miss out of a top-five placement, it is hard to imagine the East Midlands club winning the race for the Englishman this summer.
Due to the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the Premier League, the £30m release clause in Delap’s Portman Road contract has been activated.
Ready for the step up
After firing in 12 goals for a struggling Premier League outfit, Delap is ready to make the step up and compete in the upper echelons of the division.
That being said, there is a danger that the 22-year-old transfers to a big club, only to play second fiddle and sit on the bench for the majority of next term.
Eyeing up Harry Kane‘s spot as England’s first-choice striker in years to come, Delap will be looking to be a first-team regular at his next side.
