Chelsea outcast Emerson Palmieri at centre of transfer battle between Nottingham Forest and Atalanta

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are reportedly looking to swoop for Chelsea misfit Emerson Palmieri.

But they face a tough battle against Atalanta for the Italian left-back.

The Standard claims Emerson is up for grabs after Chelsea splashed £62million on Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

Marcos Alonso is already heading out to Barcelona.

And Emerson also has no future at Stamford Bridge following last season’s loan at Lyon.

Forest have now made initial contact with both the player and Chelsea over a permanent switch to Steve Cooper’s side.

The newly-promoted team have already made TWELVE signings this summer.

And transfer No13 looks set to be completed with a move for Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler.

But ironically, it’s the Serie A giants who now stand in the way of Forest landing Emerson.

Gian Piero Gasperini has been on the hunt for a new left-back ever since losing Robin Gosens to Inter Milan in January.

'LIVING HELL'

Ryan Giggs cheated on me with 12 different women, not 8, claims ex in court

NOT KEANE

HEROES ON HOLIDAY

RED DEVILS LATEST

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Atalanta had been hoping to land Nuno Tavares from Arsenal before he opted for a loan to Marseille.

And they now want Emerson to join former Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta in Bergamo this summer.

However, Emerson may think twice about joining Atalanta after they missed out on European football following last term’s 8th place finish.

The Euro 2020 could instead hold out for a reunion with Maurizio Sarri, now Lazio boss and playing in the Europa League this term.

He too is reportedly interested in signing Emerson, as well as Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.