Everton told price tag required for Liam Delap transfer as trio chase Chelsea striker

Everton have been told they will need to break their transfer record to secure Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with the Blues demanding a fee of 40million for the 23-year-old.

Delap is being pursued by a trio of Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United also leading the chase for the young striker. Chelsea are in no mood to discard the Winchester-born player lightly after just one season and are demanding the significant fee which would represent a 10million profit to any suitor who wants to take him permanently from Stamford Bridge.

Nottingham Forest have shown serious intent in their pursuit, with new boss Oliver Glasner keen to have a focal point to his attack. The club recently brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen for a club record 48million on February 2, and Glasner has instructed City Ground chiefs to pursue a deal with owner Evangelos Marinakis prepared to back his fifth permanent head coach in less than a year in the transfer market.

Newcastle United are also in the running, though the club finds itself in a period of flux following Eddie Howe ending his five-year reign in charge on Thursday. Their preferred successor, 38-year-old German Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, is still not in place.

Leeds United are also monitoring the situation as they seek competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, though a potential swoop would be ambitious at this stage with funds tight at Elland Road as they attempt to seal a record-breaking 40million purchase for goalkeeper James Trafford.

Despite the significant interest, Delap's form at Chelsea has been disappointing. The striker netted just once in 28 Premier League games last season and twice in 41 matches in all competitions, raising questions about whether any club will be willing to meet Chelsea's hefty asking price.