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Football

28th Aug 2015

Red tape means Liverpool cannot play their newest striker until next season

Potential

Patrick McCarry

The next Divock Origi?!

Liverpool are close to completing a deal for Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The 18-year-old, who has represented his country at Under-20 and Under-23 level, will arrive at Anfield from Imperial Academy.

According to Liverpool Echo, who first reported on the deal, Brendan Rodgers’ side beat off Monaco and Porto.

Once Awoniyi arrives, it is expected to be loaned out for a season to gain experience.

The reason for the mooted loan arrangements is because Awoniyi is unable to secure an UK work permit. It is most likely that he will spend a season in Belgium before linking up with Liverpool’s Under-21 squad in 2016.

A spokesperson with the Nigerian FA told the newspaper that Awoniyi is currently missing an international training camp, ahead of the All Africa Games, in order to fly to Liverpool, undergo a medical and pen his contract.

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