Liverpool sent to send Awoniyi out on loan to French side Nice over the forthcoming season

ENGLISH Premier League giants Liverpool are set to send Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi out on loan to French Ligue One side Nice over the forthcoming season as part of his ongoing development aimed at grooming him for the big time.

Awoniyi, 21, was a member of Nigeria's U17 World Cup winning squad in 2013 and was signed by Liverpool on August 31 2015 from where he has since been sent out on loan to several clubs. Last season, the lanky striker played in the Belgian league where he was Mouscron’s top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions and his form has already earned him fresh terms at his parent club Liverpool.

Several top European sides have been keeping an eye on Awoniyi, with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Barcelona, Spartak Moscow and Inter Milan all said to be interested. However, Liverpool have decided to hold on to their player and will loan him out until he can secure a work permit to play in the English Premiership.

Over the last few weeks, Awoniyi has been training with Liverpool's U23 team but as he is still not eligible for an English work permit, the club want him to continue receiving his education in Europe. Nice are pushing to have the option to sign him permanently after the loan deal but that has been turned down by Liverpool who are still keen on the striker returning to Merseyside after a year.

Things are expected to hot up next week and from all indications, Awoniyi might have his medical next week before his unveiling. All this, however, is subject to him agreeing personal terms with Nice.