Report: Liverpool receive approach over £8m gem Klopp’s never played, Reds happy to sell

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Mainz have approached Liverpool to discuss the availability of striker Taiwo Awoniyi during the summer transfer window, according to Goal.

The Anfield natives are looking to offload a raft of players to increase the budget available to manager Jurgen Klopp. The German has already lost Georginio Wijnaldum, but expects as many as 10 more first-team players to leave Merseyside.

Divock Origi, Nat Phillips, Neco Williams, Xherdan Shaqiri, Takumi Minamino and Harry Wilson are all available for the right price. As are Marko Grujic, Liam Millar and Loris Karius, while decisions are still to be over Sheyi Ojo, Ben Woodburn and Kamil Grabara.

Liverpool have seen their hopes of selling Mainz target Awoniyi boosted after the Nigerian qualified for a UK work permit. The 23-year-old joined the Reds in 2015 but has never featured in a competitive game for the club.

He has spent the past six years out on various loans, most recently with Union Berlin last season. Awoniyi scored five goals and four assists in 22 appearances, but missed 11 Bundesliga fixtures with a thigh injury.

Awoniyi could now return to Germany with Mainz showing an interest in the Liverpool forward. However, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City have also made enquiries into the U23 international’s availability.

Fulham have shown an interest in Awoniyi this summer, as well, The Athletic report. They add Liverpool are also happy to sell him for around £8m, and cited Stoke and West Brom’s interest. Suggesting Mainz are the latest on the scene for the Imperial Academy product.

A return to Mainz for forgotten Liverpool man Awoniyi

Mainz may be one of the later sides showing an interest in Awoniyi, but it would be a return to familiar settings for the forgotten Liverpool striker. The 23-year-old joined the Opel Arena outfit on loan for the 2019/20 season before returning to Germany with Union Berlin.

Awoniyi only played 12 games, starting five, and scored once for Mainz, however, with the Liverpool attacker failing to establish himself with Die Nullfunfer. But Bo Svensson is now at the helm, to offer the Nigerian a fresh start at the Opel Arena.

Liverpool will likely favour selling Awoniyi this summer given his inability to shine in Germany for Mainz or Union Berlin. So, it remains for Mainz to put forward an offer to beat Fulham, West Brom and Stoke for his signature.