Liverpool are set to loan goalkeeper Loris Karius out to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, according to German outlet Kicker.

What's the word?

The goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons out on loan with Besiktas, where he made a total of 67 appearances, conceding 95 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets in all competitions.

It now seems set in stone that he will be moving back to his homeland for the season, as he has already agreed to the idea of joining up with Union Berlin.

The 27-year-old will compete with Andreas Luthe to be the club's number one goalkeeper - after he impressed during the 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach.

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Delaying the inevitable

It feels like all this deal is doing for Liverpool is delaying Karius' inevitable permanent departure from Anfield, some four years after making a £4.7m switch to Merseyside.

There is surely no chance of him ever playing for Liverpool again, after the Champions League final against Real Madrid, where he rolled the ball onto Karim Benzema's foot, then let Gareth Bale's strike from range slip through his fingers.

In addition, Jurgen Klopp has got a trustworthy player in that position now, in the form of Alisson, while Adrian has the back-up spot nailed down.

It could even be argued that 21-year-old Caoimhin Kelleher would be in with a chance of getting ahead of the German in the pecking order.

Therefore, it feels quite silly to be loaning Karius out. Surely it would make much more sense to hold out for a club that is willing to sign him on a permanent basis.

Not only would this allow Liverpool to get a fee, but it would also allow Karius to put his nightmare at the club firmly behind him.