Nottingham Forest close in on Liam Delap deal as Chelsea striker falls out of favour

Nottingham Forest have moved into advanced discussions with Chelsea over a deal for striker Liam Delap, who has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge since Xabi Alonso took charge. The move revives interest that predates his switch from Ipswich Town to west London, and it comes with barely a week left before the English transfer window shuts. Oliver Glasner is pushing to get the deal, and at least one more signing, over the line as he shapes his squad for a demanding run of fixtures.

• Delap has been training away from Chelsea's first-team group and missed the squad for the trip to Fulham.
• Glasner wants two more additions before deadline day, including reinforcement at wing-back.
• Forest have already brought in Ousmane Diomande, Xaver Schlager and Steven Benda this summer.
• Aston Villa are stepping up interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez after missing out on Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
• Coventry City and Sunderland are also active, closing in on Ethan Pinnock and Jules Ahoka respectively.

Why Chelsea are ready to let Liam Delap leave

The 23-year-old arrived at Chelsea from Ipswich Town carrying plenty of promise, but he has struggled to force his way into Xabi Alonso's plans. Training separately from the main group and being left out of the matchday squad for the visit to Craven Cottage against Fulham both point to a player whose time at Stamford Bridge has run its course. Letting him go would free up squad space and wages for a Chelsea side that remains bloated despite recent departures.

What Glasner still needs to finish his Forest squad

Since taking over at the City Ground, the Austrian coach has switched to a back three, a tactical shift that demands specific profiles out wide. That is why, alongside Delap, Glasner is pushing hard to add a wing-back before the window closes. He struck a confident tone about getting both deals done, making clear the club is racing against the clock to avoid missing out.

The club is working very hard to get these deals done. I'm very confident that we will get in two more high-quality players.

Forest's business so far this summer

The only fee Forest have paid out this summer was for defender Ousmane Diomande, who arrived from Sporting in a £34m deal that underlines the club's ambitions following their return to European competition. That signing sits alongside the free additions of Xaver Schlager and goalkeeper Steven Benda, rounding out a squad Glasner still wants strengthened before deadline day.

What's next: Carabao Cup and a trip to Anfield

Before Delap's future is settled, Forest face Leeds United in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday, a rematch of last Saturday's Premier League defeat and a chance for immediate redemption. Morgan Gibbs-White is sidelined with a knee problem and will miss that game, though the club is hopeful he will be fit for the tough away trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Other Premier League deals taking shape

Business is picking up pace elsewhere too. Aston Villa have ramped up their pursuit of Ecuador centre-back Joel Ordóñez, who impressed against them in the Champions League while playing for Club Brugge. Unai Emery's side are looking for a replacement for Ezri Konsa after having a bid for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis turned down. Meanwhile, Coventry City are working on a deal for Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock, which would be their ninth signing of the summer, and Sunderland have already completed the signing of midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp for a reported £8m.