Nottingham Forest legend Mark Crossley has not minced his words when it comes to Liam Delap and the malfunctioning front line this season.

Liam Delap joined Nottingham Forest in the summer for a club record £45m, and since then, he has only scored one goal, sparking concern over whether he was worth the money. Forest fans are divided over Delap right now, with some valuing him and seeing the potential. Others, less encouraged by his performances in front of goal.

Mark Crossley says Nottingham Forest’s finishing is the big problem this season

Appearing on The Overlap Daily this week, Crossley admitted he is a huge Glasner fan, believing that the Austrian will take Forest to the top. However, in the same appearance, he outlined the very real concerns he has with the forward line at the City Ground.

“The problem is plain to see, they haven’t scored a goal at home all season, what does that tell you.

“They can’t find the back of the net. Whether the January window changes that, I am almost sure it has to. Chris Wood, young Delap, who’s come in and we’ve paid a lot of money for him, a young lad who’s unproven, and it’s not quite working out at the moment for him, Jesus is injured.

“So it’s a sticky part of the season. Now the pressure is on already.”

Harsh words for Forest and Delap, but Crossley is absolutely spot on. Forest have the worst home form in the league, and no goals is a massive part of this. This means Crossley is also right, Forest needs goals, and in January, this should see new arrivals in the form of players who can contribute goals

Forest need reinforcements in January

Whatever happens, Forest needs more options in attack right now, and January is a huge opportunity to do so. There has been talk around Omari Hutchinson returning from loan, but this isn’t enough; Evangelos Marinakis needs to recruit.

Forest have a lot of forwards, but none are reliable or offer Glasner a strong tactical fit to deploy when faced with a low-block, which is a big factor in the home form being so poor this season.

One interesting signing, therefore, could be Joshua Zirkzee from United, who was denied a deadline day move to Everton but could be available in January.

• Chris Wood – Classic target man & box poacher
• Liam Delap – Aggressive channel runner & ball carrier
• Igor Jesus – Mobile all-rounder & pressing forward
• Arnaud Kalimuendo – Agile advanced forward & poacher
• *Joshua Zirkzee – Deep lying forward & ‘9.5’ playmaking striker*

Zirkzee is technically gifted and excellent at linking play, which would give Glasner a different option at leading the line to try and help break down teams who sit deep. Zirkzee could also play behind the striker, and despite a poor record for United, he could really shine for Glasner.

Delap, Wood, and Igor Jesus are much more traditional number nines, while Zirkzee offers something different and a potential antidote to the struggles against sides sitting deep at the City Ground.