Liverpool receive enquiry for Taiwo Awoniyi – and set a big price tag

Liverpool have named their price for 21-year-old striker Taiwo Awoniyi, after fielding an enquiry over a deal for the Nigerian—who is unable to play for the club.

The Reds have conducted little business so far this summer, with the arrival of Sepp van den Berg due to be followed by Harvey Elliott, while Rafa Camacho joined Sporting CP for £7 million.

There are unlikely to be many more incomings if reports are to be believed, but a host of other players are likely to depart to follow Camacho and loanees Marko Grujic and Sheyi Ojo.

One of those is Awoniyi, who moved to Liverpool from the Imperial Soccer Academy for £400,000 in 2015, but has not made his debut due to work permit issues.

Instead, the youngster has spent his entire time on the Reds’ books out on loan, at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, KAA Gent and two spells with Royal Excel Mouscron.

Another loan this summer is possible, but there is mounting interest in a permanent deal for Awoniyi, who was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to the Times‘ Paul Joyce, CSKA Moscow have enquired as to the striker’s availability, and have been quoted £15 million for a potential deal.

Mouscron's Taiwo Awoniyi celebrates after scoring during a soccer game between Standard de Liege and Royal Excel Mouscron, Saturday 02 March 2019 in Liege, on the 28th day of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2018-2019. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY

This would be a significant profit on the fee paid to sign Awoniyi four years ago, and with little hope of a future role under Jurgen Klopp it may be a worthwhile move.

Liverpool are claimed to be open to another loan, too, but Schalke were also reported to be weighing up a bid back in March.

Mainz, Metz, Nice, Toulouse, Club Brugge and Hertha Berlin have been touted as other possible destinations.

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Reds have been linked with a move for CSKA striker Fedor Chalov, though it remains to be seen how credible this is.