Oliver Glasner could soon have the different kind of forward he has been looking for, with Nottingham Forest closing in on a club-record move for Liam Delap worth at least £45m and potentially rising to £50m with add-ons.
The expected transfer underlines how quickly Forest are reshaping the squad ahead of the new campaign. They have already broken their transfer record earlier this month with the arrival of Ousmane Diomande, and Delap would take that rebuild into another level as the club continues to strengthen for Glasner's system.
Delap is understood to be close to joining on a five-year contract, with a medical expected on Wednesday if everything goes smoothly. Forest want more variety in attack, not just another similar profile, and Delap is seen as a useful fit alongside Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.
Why Delap appeals to Glasner
The attraction is not hard to understand. Forest are not simply buying goals; they are buying a striker who looks suited to the way Glasner wants his side to function. In a 3-4-2-1 shape, the central forward has to do more than finish moves. He has to give the team a reference point, help link play, and still offer a threat in the box.
That is where Delap comes in. He scored 12 league goals for Ipswich, which showed he can deliver at Premier League level when given the right platform. Forest will be hoping that production can translate into a broader role at the City Ground.
A move shaped by Chelsea frustration
The other part of the story is what happened at Chelsea. Delap managed just one Premier League goal across 12 starts and 16 substitute appearances, and his season was also affected by injury. He missed Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday, with the move to Forest now offering a fresh start.
That makes this a significant step for both player and club. For Forest, it is a clear statement of intent after already setting a new benchmark in the market. For Delap, it is a chance to reset quickly and become a central figure in a side that is being built with much more ambition.
The final detail now is timing. If the medical is completed on Wednesday, Forest will have secured not just a record fee, but a striker whose profile fits the manager's plan and the club's next stage of development.
