Liam Delap ‘closes in on shock Premier League transfer’ with Chelsea nightmare set to come to an end

LIAM DELAP is reportedly close to ending his nightmare spell at Chelsea. The striker failed to impress after a £30m move from Ipswich, scoring just one Premier League goal last term. Liam Delap could be on his way out of Chelsea after one season Credit: Getty And talkSPORT claim that the striker is now closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest. Oliver Glasner has taken over as Forest manager, becoming one of the highest-paid Premier League bosses. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And after frequently rowing with the Crystal Palace hierarchy over their lack of ambition in the transfer market, the Austrian will likely be expecting the full backing of exuberant Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The East Midlanders drew a blank in a dismal 1-0 loss at home to Leeds on opening day, with neither starter Igor Jesus or the veteran Chris Wood able to hit the back of the net. And with Taiwo Awoniyi having completed a £9m move to newly-promoted Coventry, Forest appear to have identified Delap as the man to add some firepower. After netting an impressive 12 goals for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich two seasons ago, Delap appeared to forget where the goal is altogether after his move to Stamford Bridge. His only strike came in a 2-1 defeat at neighbours Fulham in January, with his spell at the Blues so unsuccessful that fans started to pine for the sometimes brilliant, sometimes infuriating Nicolas Jackson, who was loaned out to Bayern Munich. Chelsea have already broadened their options in the number nine position, with Danny Welbeck brought in to provide competition for Joao Pedro. Most read in Sport Emmanuel Emegha has also completed his scheduled move from Strasbourg, with it remaining to be seen how, and if, new boss Xabi Alonso will use him. And Jackson is back with the Blues, but believed to be a target for Aston Villa. Comment now