Nottingham Forest have been linked to a move for Taiwo Awoniyi, and now a reliable source has given an update on the club's progression on making the signing this summer.

What's the latest?

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Nottingham Forest are now close to completing the deal for Awoniyi.

Plettenberg took to Twitter to give an update on the transfer: "News Awoniyi: He will join Nottingham! The deal will be finalised in the next hours. Verbal agreement since days. Union Berlin will receive €20.5m transfer fee!"

Cooper will be excited

There is no doubt that Steve Cooper will be very excited to finally secure his first signing of the summer ahead of Nottingham Forest's long-awaited return to the Premier League.

With Keinan Davis returning to Aston Villa and Lewis Grabban still in contract negotiations to extend his stay at The City Ground, the signing of a new forward would have been a top priority for the newly-promoted club and Awoniyi has proved in the Bundesliga that he is more than capable of delivering upon his return to English football.

The former Liverpool forward joined Union Berlin less than a year ago, but has been in impressive form that has now caught the attention of the club who will now give Awoniyi his second chance to shine back in the Premier League next season.

The 24-year-old striker scored 15 goals, delivered one assist and created four big chances over 31 Bundesliga appearances last season, as well as winning an average of four duels, completing the majority of his attempted dribbles and taking 2.2 shots at goal per game - helping his side secure an extremely impressive fifth-place finish in the league.

Awoniyi has received high praise for his performances in Germany, with Achim Beierlorzer hailing the Nigerian "sensational" after his first goal for Union Berlin in an interview with Kicker:

"He showed a sensational performance in the internal test. He has always had an amazing attitude towards professional sport and accepted all decisions with absolute respect."

With that being said, if Awoniyi can emulate his goal-scoring form back in the Premier League with Forest he will be on course to have a great season and it will be a great piece of business for Cooper and for the future of the team.

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