Everton look set to miss out on Liam Delap for a second time, with Nottingham Forest closing in on the Chelsea striker.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Forest are in direct contact with Chelsea and Delap’s representatives as they attempt to complete a deal.
TalkSPORT also reports that Forest are nearing an agreement, with Everton and Leeds United among the clubs to have shown interest in the 23-year-old.
It is a familiar story for Everton.
David Moyes made a serious attempt to sign Delap from Ipswich Town last summer, only for the striker to choose Chelsea after his £30m release clause became active.
Now Everton appear likely to miss him again.
Everton set to miss out on Delap again
Delap’s first season at Stamford Bridge did not go as planned and Chelsea are prepared to let him leave.
That put a player Everton already knew well back on the market.
The Blues have Thierno Barry and Beto at centre-forward, although Beto’s own future has become uncertain amid interest from Italy. That perhaps made another striker less of an immediate priority.
Forest have not waited.
Both The Guardian and The Times report that they are now in negotiations with Chelsea, while talkSPORT says Delap is keen on the move.
Nothing has been completed yet, so there is still room for the situation to change.
But Delap was a player Moyes wanted badly enough to pursue last summer. When the opportunity unexpectedly returned a year later, Everton were interested again.
As things stand, Forest look set to get there first.
For other Everton transfer talk, please follow our live transfer tracker.
Everton striker Beto wanted in Italy as two Serie A giants circle
Everton striker Beto wanted in Italy as two Serie A giants circle
Everton hopes of Jack Grealish return suffer blow as AC Milan enter race
Everton hopes of Jack Grealish return suffer blow as AC Milan enter race