Frank Lampard makes Liam Delap transfer revelation ahead of Nottingham Forest clash | OneFootball

Frank Lampard has revealed Coventry City had Liam Delap on their radar this summer, as Nottingham Forest host the Sky Blues later today, 5.30pm kick-off.

According to Nottingham Post, Lampard said Coventry were unable to get a deal done. Delap joined Forest from Chelsea last month for a club-record £45m and opened his account in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Lampard said he was not surprised by the size of Delap’s fee, recalling the striker was widely admired when he was at Derby County. He added that his Chelsea connections meant Coventry assessed Delap, but not everything was possible.

The Coventry boss managed Derby in 2019 when a 16-year-old Delap left for Manchester City in the January window, midway through Lampard’s sole season at Pride Park. Delap was not close to the first team then and Lampard said he only knew of him by reputation, including through his father Rory, noting the sale for roughly £1.5m felt significant for Derby.

After loans from City, Delap signed for Ipswich Town for £20m in summer 2024 following their promotion. Despite Ipswich’s struggles, Chelsea triggered a £30m release clause after their relegation, but Delap departed Stamford Bridge 12 months later amid limited minutes.

Now at Forest, he has secured the starting role up front and will aim to add to his tally against Coventry. The visitors will be without Taiwo Awoniyi, signed from Forest this summer, due to suspension after his red card against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

Source: Nottingham Post

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