Taiwo Awoniyi Close To Liverpool Exit

Nigeria forward Taiwo Awoniyi could be set to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis this summer, according to reports.

Awoniyi linked up with the Reds from Imperial Soccer Academy in 2015 but he is yet to make an appearance for the club.

The 23-year-old has spent time on loan seven times, enjoying stints with clubs in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.

The forward would be eligible to make his long-awaited Liverpool debut next season after recently earning a UK work permit.

However, with a number of clubs vying for his signature on a permanent basis, it appears unlikely that Awoniyi will ever feature under Jurgen Klopp.

The ECHO understands that Belgian outfit Anderlecht – managed by former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany – have already had a €5m bid rejected this summer.

Despite that interest, the player’s preference is to either continue in the German Bundesliga, where he has spent the last two campaigns, or remain in the UK.

That remains possible, with Union Berlin and Mainz keen after Awoniyi impressed during recent loan stints, though the latter’s attempts to strike another temporary deal were rejected.

West Bromwich Albion also hold an interest, with their new manager Valerien Ismael having kept tabs on the striker during his time at Barnsley.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is also said to be a fan, though the Scottish champions’ need for striking reinforcements will be dictated by Alfredo Morelos’ uncertain future.

With Awoniyi generating such strong interest in the early days of the transfer window, it seems unlikely that he will play a significant role in Liverpool’s pre-season plans.