Liam Delap has joined Nottingham Forest after being told he was not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans at Chelsea
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Liam Delap has signed for Nottingham Forestopen image in gallery
Liam Delap has signed for Nottingham Forest (PA)
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Liam Delap has completed a move to Nottingham Forest from Chelsea in a club-record deal worth £45m.
The 23-year-old forward has agreed a five-year contract at the City Ground, with Forest becoming his third team in three seasons after being informed he did not feature in Xabi Alonso’s plans at Stamford Bridge.
However, newly appointed Forest manager Oliver Glasner made securing the striker a priority during the current transfer window.
"I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history," Delap said.
"I spoke to the manager and I like his way, I think he can be the one to really help me develop and make that next step and hopefully I can bring goals here.
Xabi Alonso made it clear Delap was not part of his plansopen image in gallery
Xabi Alonso made it clear Delap was not part of his plans (Getty)
"I can’t wait to hear the noise at The City Ground and have the fans on my side because I know how loud and important they are.
"As a team we can build something really strong and the main aim is to challenge and be a top club in the Premier League."
The former England youth international had been required to train away from the first team at Chelsea, while his number nine shirt was handed to Joao Pedro after Alonso made his position clear.
Chelsea have secured a profit on a player purchased for £30m from Ipswich 12 months ago, despite him scoring just twice across all competitions last season.
The transfer was completed in time for Delap to potentially debut against Liverpool on Saturday, though it remains unclear if Glasner will place him immediately into his starting line-up.
Forest have endured a difficult start to the season, losing 1-0 at home to Leeds in their Premier League opener before suffering a 2-0 defeat by the same side in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Glasner will hope Delap can bring the much-needed firepower to propel Forest up the table this season.
Meanwhile, it could be a busy end to the transfer window for Chelsea as they weigh up a move for wantaway Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Delap is unlikely to be their final sale either, as Enzo Fernandez remains heavily linked with a switch to Manchester City.