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According to Sky Sports, Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi is reportedly on the radar of Bundesliga side Schalke, who are said to be monitoring the forward's availability amid doubts over his chances of obtaining a work permit.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Nigerian international has been on the Reds' books since 2015, but he is yet to make a senior appearance for the club as he does not qualify for a work permit.

The 21-year-old has had loan spells with FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Gent since signing for Liverpool, and is currently out on loan with Belgian side Royal Excel Mouscron - his second stint at the club.

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Awoniyi has impressed for the Pro League side this season, notching six goals in seven games since returning to the club in January after spending the first half of the campaign with Gent.

Liverpool would want a fee in excess of £13m for the youngster if his work permit status is not resolved, whilst they are also open to another loan deal.

Bad news for English clubs

The Merseysiders offered Awoniyi an improved five-year contract extension last summer, which he duly signed, but the Reds' hopes of seeing the young Nigerian in action for them will surely be dealt a blow by the impending introduction of Brexit.

Under the incoming rules, players such as Jorginho, Riyad Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette would have struggled to qualify for a work permit to play in the Premier League - it would be near impossible for the Algerian international Mahrez to have made the move to Leicester he did back in 2014 under the incoming restrictions.

For players of that calibre not to be allowed to play in England speaks volumes about young prospects such as Awoniyi ever getting the chance to play here, which is bad news for English clubs but great news for teams such as Schalke who are monitoring Awoniyi's situation.

Liverpool fans may never get to see the youngster wear the badge in front of them, despite their obvious high hopes for him.