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Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has joined the drive for concussion substitutions after seeing the horror collision between Raul Jimenez and David Luiz at the weekend.

Jimenez suffered a fractured skull after a clash of heads with David Luiz in the first half of Wolves' 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Mexico international required lengthy medical attention and oxygen before being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital, where he is now in recovery after undergoing surgery.

David Luiz continued playing after having his head bandaged, but the defender was substituted at half-time after his cut began to bleed again.

The incident has amplified focus on the risk of lasting head trauma to footballers amid a campaign in England for the game's authorities to take greater steps to reduce the danger of later-life health problems such as dementia.

While Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisted David Luiz was cleared to continue after adhering to concussion protocols, Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer, insisted more must be done to safeguard players from serious head injury.

"Football needs to get real, it needs to wake up, it needs to get serious. Not next year, next month, now. It is not acceptable, it has been going too far too long," Shearer, who has previously presented a documentary on dementia, said on BBC's Match of the Day.

Ederson, a former team-mate of Jimenez at Benfica, told reporters on Monday: "I was very worried. I was watching the game. It was an accidental clash, head to head but very difficult.

"All the concern and all the care at the moment is very important. It is a part of the body that is very fragile and needs special attention, I agree when there is a blow to the head there should be a substitution whether the player can continue or not because you might be feeling okay because you're warmed up, but after the game you could feel the consequences.

"It is something we cannot change, it is accidental. It wasn't an intentional blow they just went to compete for the ball, but we know the risks of a head injury. I hope he recovers quickly and will be back as soon as possible."

Jimenez will not be available in time for Wolves' next outing away at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday as he remains in observation in hospital over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Ederson will be back in action with City on Tuesday when Pep Guardiola takes his side to Estadio do Dragao to face Porto in the Champions League, and Luiz is currently preparing with the rest of the Arsenal squad ahead of a Europa League meeting with Rapid Vienna on Thursday.

Proline FC chairman Mujib Kasule insists Alpha Ssali, who is a son to renowned musician Musa Ssali, commonly referred to as Bebe Cool, was included in the Uganda U20 team because he deserved it and it is not because of anything else.

The youngster has been unfairly criticized owing to his father's political stance and the administrator has told-off those criticizing the player, saying he does not deserve criticism.

"Alpha is judged because his father Bebe Cool took a certain line of politics which is hated by some of the people, so they transfer that anger over him and so his son," Kasule said.

"But that’s wrong in human nature because this is just a child who has a totally different thinking from that of his father according to us who know him."

The experienced administrator has gone on and revealed some of the details of the background of the Hippos player. 

"Bebe Cool brought Alpha when he was three and a half years old. He wanted him to be a footballer, not a musician, just like any parent, he also had a dream," Kasule added.  

"We wish our children the best, no parent wants his mistakes, conflicts, and differences with other people to be judged against his child.  

"Alpha is now 16 and as we talk now, he is the team captain of Proline FC U17 team and he has been playing in the U17 league since when he was 13 years."

The midfielder was promoted to the Proline senior team and Kasule said it is because the player is on the right path of development.

"Another thing, in April this year, we promoted Alpha to the senior team, and promoting someone in the senior team, it doesn’t mean that he is so exceptional but it means that he is on the right development path, so he deserves to be given a chance to go on with learning," he continued.

"So, it is not an accident to be on the U20 squad and it is not about his father, he fits to be there, it was not about ‘bribe’ because no one bribed us to promote him."   

Joachim Low will continue as Germany head coach through to next year's European Championship, the German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed.

Low has spent the last 14 years of his career in charge of the national team, having succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann in the role following the 2006 World Cup.

The 60-year-old subsequently led Germany to the final of Euro 2008, and although his side lost to Spain in the showpiece event, their performance in the competition served as a taster of what was to come.

Germany finished third at the 2010 World Cup before reaching the last four of the European Championship two years later, with Low gradually piecing together a winning formula which culminated in glory on the biggest stage in 2014.

Germany won their fourth World Cup after beating Argentina in the final in Brazil, but that triumph marked the beginning of a decline which has led to the current manager's position being questioned.

Low oversaw another semi-final at Euro 2016, but his men were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stage, which sparked his decision to axe several experienced first-team squad members, including Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.

Germany have still been able to qualify for the next edition of the European Championship due to be held across multiple cities next year without those seasoned performers, but they failed to reach the UEFA Nations League finals after being thrashed 6-0 by Spain earlier this month.

Calls for Low to be replaced before the country's next major tournament appearance have been widespread, but the DFB has revealed that he will be staying on indefinitely following a board meeting on Monday.

"The DFB Presidium agreed on Monday in a telephone conference that the path for the renewal of the national team, with national team coach Joachim Low, will continue without restriction," read an official statement on the DFB website.

"The Presidium thus followed a recommendation by the presidential committee and by Oliver Bierhoff, the director of the national teams & academy.

"It was important for the national coach to discuss the current situation, the defeat against Spain and the months leading up to the European Championship in an open, constructive and intensive exchange. In the process, Joachim Low informed those involved about his assessments, ideas and further plans. 

"The members of the Executive Committee agreed that what counts is the high-quality work of the coaching staff, the intact relationship between the team and the coach, and a clear concept for the previous and future procedures. A single game cannot and must not be a yardstick for the general performance of the national team and the national coach.  

"The DFB Presidium agrees: On the way to the Euro 2021, important sporting goals have already been achieved - including the Euros qualification, staying in League A of the Nations League and being in the top seeding group for World Cup qualification. Accordingly, Joachim Low continues to have the trust of the DFB Presidium.

"Together, the view is purposeful and focused on further preparations for the European Championship next year. There is a firm conviction that Joachim Low and his coaching team will deliver successful games and results despite a challenging situation for everyone. 

"The national coach will take all necessary measures to play an exciting European Championship in 2021 with the team. The national coach's assessment also receives approval that subsequent tournaments - specifically the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 European Championship, which will take place in Germany - must already play a role as perspectives and sporting goals in further sporting and personal considerations at this point in time."

Javi Martinez admits the time is approaching for him to experience “something new”, with the World Cup winner approaching the end of his contract at Bayern Munich.

It appeared at one stage as though the summer of 2020 would deliver a move away from the Allianz Arena for the versatile Spaniard.

He was, however, talked into staying put by Hansi Flick and has taken in 13 appearances across all competitions this season.

Martinez is pleased to be back in favour after seeing just 24 outings in 2019-20, with only 16 of those coming in another Bundesliga title-winning campaign for Bayern.

He has now passed the 250-appearance mark for the club, having been snapped up from Athletic Club in 2012.

The 32-year-old believes he is still capable of playing a prominent role for an ambitious European heavyweight, but appears set to call time on his spell in Munich at the nine-year mark as he will be dropping into the free agent pool when the 2020-21 season comes to a close.

Several players on Bayern’s books, including Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, find themselves in a similar situation.

Martinez, though, will definitely not be signing any new contract, with a man who can operate in the centre of defence or midfield already preparing to make a fresh start once his current trophy-chasing commitments are over.

Quizzed on his future ahead of a Champions League clash for Bayern with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Martinez said: “This is not the moment to discuss what will happen in June 2021. Anything can happen. I had great years here and we will see what happens

“I would like to try something new, no matter where, but something new before I end my career.

“The contract says it is the last year. I am happy to be here now and I am part of the team and that is what is important.”

Martinez, who is also a European Championship winner with his country, has enjoyed a memorable spell in Germany.

His impressive CV includes five Bundesliga titles, along with two Champions League crowns, five German Cups and a FIFA Club World Cup.

The Football Association is looking into a social media post from Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani, which contained a Spanish term which can be interpreted as offensive.

The Uruguayan posted the reply on his Instagram page on Sunday evening after he had guided Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s to victory against Southampton at St Mary’s scoring twice in the second half.

The 33-year-old was replying to a friend’s congratulatory message but deleted the post after he was made aware of how the wording could be interpreted in the UK.

He shared some of the positive messages he received from fans in the wake of the victory and responded to one post with the message "Gracias n******".

It is understood that there was no malice in the post and the striker thought he was just sending a friendly message to a friend, which is how he believes it would have been interpreted in his native Uruguay, and he had no idea there would be any issue with it.

When it was brought to his attention of how it could be interpreted, he acted quickly to delete the post. It is understood United are aware of the post but have yet to be contacted by the FA over it.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva was handed a one game ban and a fine in 2019 after a social media post that made reference to Benjamin Mendy’s race and the FA deemed it was an ‘aggravated breach’ of their rules on social media posting.

More recently, Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli was sanctioned with similar punishment - a one-game ban, a fine and an obligation to undertake an education course - for a joke posted online relating to coronavirus.

The governing body brought in new charging policies and sanctioning guidelines for discrimination by individual participants and spectators at the start of this season and the minimum suspension, for people charged and found guilty of breaching the rules on social media, is three games.

The FA and United have not yet officially commented on the issue.

Cavani joined the Old Trafford side in a free transfer in October and has scored three goals in five substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Ederson has joked that he is the best penalty taker at Manchester City, but says Pep Guardiola will not allow him to take them.

The City boss said himself that the goalkeeper was the best player in his squad at scoring spot-kicks last season when his side went through a poor run of missing penalties. Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan and Sergio Aguero all spurned chances from the spot when City missed four of seven between November and February.

Kevin De Bruyne looked to be the answer to the problem when he scored five successive times, until he dragged a spot-kick wide in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in November.

Brazilian international Ederson has been inspired by former Sao Paulo keeper Rogerio Ceni, who recorded 131 goals including free-kicks and penalties.

Ederson was in charge of dead-ball situations with Second Division side Ribeirao, but Guardiola says he would only let him take penalties in a shootout or a friendly.

“I don't train much free-kicks. I trained penalties and when I played for Riberao I took some free-kicks but that is in the past now,” Ederson said. “I am the best penalty taker but I am not chosen to take them! 

“The most important thing is that we score goals and win the game.”

Ederson will return to Portugal on Tuesday for the Champions League clash with Porto on Tuesday aiming to secure top spot in Group C having already qualified for the knockout stages.

The 27-year-old spent five seasons with Rio Ave and then Benfica before moving to City in 2017, but his most recent game in the country was the disappointing defeat to Lyon in August.

Guardiola has said that he has "a good feeling" about the competition this season and City’s No 1 says there is no reason why they cannot go a long way in Europe.

“Of course, that is what the team is working towards,” Ederson added. “The most important thing is hard work. The team is united, dedicated, playing well. We are developing. In the last game we played really well and I hope we are continuing this good work. I think our team can go far.”

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara is still “a few weeks” away from making his Liverpool return.

The Spanish midfielder has not featured for the Reds since the Merseyside derby against Everton on October 18, having suffered a knee injury in a challenge from Blues forward Richarlison. 

Indeed, since signing from Bayern Munich in September, Thiago has been limited to just two appearances, totalling 135 minutes. 

With fans understandably desperate to see the 29-year-old in action, and with the player yet to return to full training, Klopp moved to clarify the situation ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Ajax.

He told reporters: “So, on that day when Thiago got injured in that challenge in the Everton game, there was another bad injury [Virgil van Dijk’s ruptured anterior cruciate ligament].

“There were two scans, one was really bad news, the other [Thiago’s] was really good news because nothing was broken, nothing was ruptured, but we realise now it was still a massive impact on the knee.

"Everybody thinks because nothing was broken or ruptured that you can go after a few days, but the impact on the knee was that big that it is still not OK. It’s not massive and he trains from time to time – not in the moment – but we realise he has to go through further steps.

“I can’t say exactly when he will be fine, but it will take a few weeks still. That’s how it is.”

Klopp confirmed that James Milner will miss the game with Ajax after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. Liverpool will make a late check on the fitness of midfielder Naby Keita, but Trent Alexander-Arnold and Xherdan Shaqiri will miss the game. 

Alexander-Arnold, though, is closing in on a return having missed the last three matches with a calf problem.

“They are all getting closer, but not close enough for tomorrow,” Klopp said. “With Naby we have to check still, but with the other two they will not be ready.

“Trent looks quite good. Nobody gave the green light so he cannot train with the team, but I saw him today on the pitch doing his rehab stuff outside. That looks good, but it’s not my decision to decide when it is finished.

"I take the players over when I get the green light, and that didn’t happen yet, but from my rather experienced eye, let me say it like this, from what I saw today, it will not be that long any more with Trent.”

Joan Laporta has claimed that Inter tried to sign Lionel Messi for €250 million (£225m/$300m) back in 2006, but he ultimately managed to convince him to stay at Barcelona to "make history".

Messi enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom at Camp Nou after graduating to Barca's senior squad in 2004.

The Argentine made his debut at the age of 17, and opened his scoring account for the club with a delightful chip after being teed up by Ronaldinho in a clash with Albacete towards the end of his first season in Frank Rijkaard's set-up.

He soon became a regular in Barca's starting XI, attracting attention from top clubs across Europe in the process, including Italian giants Inter.

Laporta, who served as club president at Camp Nou between 2003 and 2010, says the Nerazzurri submitted a world-record offer for Messi when he was still a teenager, but he never considered selling a man who had already shown incredible potential.

"He always had offers: in 2006 Moratti gave me 250 million and said no, there I saw the esteem of Messi and his family for Barcelona," the 58-year-old said at a press conference announcing his candidacy for the next set of presidential elections in January.

"His father asked me what I would do as a father and I told him, that the best thing was to stay, I told him that we would make a team that would accompany him to achieve the greatest successes, that would touch the glory and make history. I saw his love for the club, the city ​​and country."

Messi has gone on to score a total of 641 goals in 743 appearances for Barca in total, winning 10 Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and six Ballon d'Or awards along the way.

The Argentina international did, however, push for a transfer away from Camp Nou in the summer after a disastrous 2019-20 season, before performing a U-turn on his future which eventually led to the resignation of former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board.

Laporta says his main goal is to lift to the mood of gloom surrounding the club if he is elected to replace Bartomeu, and that he has already drawn up a solid plan to bring back a harmonious atmosphere on and off the pitch.

“I’m running for elections because I love the club,” he said. “We have the preparation, experience and determination necessary for the changes that the club need. We have a plan. The plan is to work.

“I want to unite all Barca fans. This is not the time to reproach or look back. In the Barca that we propose, everyone fits. Our plan is to bring back happiness to the people. It’s not a simple election promise. It’s an ethical, civic, moral, social and united commitment.”

Liverpool made sure to steer “well clear” of any rash transfer decisions during the summer window, says Peter Krawietz, with the Reds adamant that minor tinkering was the way forward.

Having brought their 30-year wait for English top-flight title glory to a close, those at Anfield faced some big decisions.

Liverpool had spent big bolstering their ranks in recent times, but have been relatively quiet on the recruitment front of late.

Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota were the only additions made ahead of their title defence in 2020-21, with Krawietz saying the call was made early on not to be drawn into a scramble for unnecessary signatures.

Klopp’s right-hand man told The Athletic: “Our conviction was total. As total as it can be. We knew that there are no guarantees, but we were convinced that the squad’s composition was ideal for the challenges that season posed.

“There were no reasons to make any fundamental changes. Unless you’re totally certain that a new player will move things forward, you’re better off staying well clear. You’re not doing your team and the new guy any favours otherwise.

“We knew that we were very well set up. We had played well and had had success but we did see the potential for development within.

“That’s always the basis for making such decisions. Finances come into it as well, but the decision not to make any changes was informed by us knowing it wasn’t necessary.”

While Liverpool resisted the urge to make any rash transfer decisions over the summer, their hand may be forced in January.

A flurry of untimely injuries at Anfield have left Klopp having to shuffle his pack on a regular basis. Many of the fitness issues he has suffered have come in defence, with the Reds down to the bare bones at centre-half.

Another proven performer may be sought over the winter, but Krawietz’s comments suggest that the Reds will not be rushed into parting with money that they do not want to spend.

Liverpool's Premier League title defence is going well so far, with the Reds second in the table on 21 points after 10 games, only behind leaders Tottenham on goal difference.

Ugandan Premier League side Wakiso Giants have named their squad for the 2020-21 season with three previous key players missing.

As the league is set to start on December 3, the Purple Sharks have revealed the team where Tom Masiko, Hakim Ssenkumba and Ayub Kisaliita are missing despite their experience.

Wakiso Giants head coach Douglas Bamwenyana will have to trust the players for a stable campaign in the new season, unlike last season where they finished 10th.

Former SC Villa goalkeeper Samson Kirya, Rahmat Ssenfuka formerly of Police and Vipers and Lawrence Bukenya from KCCA FC are among the new signings at the club.

In an earlier interview, Bamwenyana had stated they are ready for the new season that will begin after almost nine months of football suspension due to the coronavirus.

“We are happy with our preparations and excited to showcase what we have been cooking,” Bwamenyana said as quoted by the club's website then.

“On a technical note, the further delay to kick-off was a blessing in disguise; and was used to good effect to steadily impart our philosophical ideas. 

“We await our kick-off date with excitement and optimism.”

The former Express, SC Villa and Maroons coach claimed sports is the discipline that was hugely affected by the novel Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is with mixed feelings; excitement and relief now that we will take to the pitch and play again,” Bwamenyana continued.

“I might sound selfish but it feels as though the pandemic has affected us in sport the most, probably because it is a way of life for us.”

Wakiso Giants will begin the new season with a match against Police FC.

Wakiso Giants Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:  1. Derrick Emukule, 24. Samson Kirya and 31. Kenneth Luguya

Defenders: 2. Muwadda Kateregga, 3. Alex Komakech, 5. Simon Namwanja, 13. Swaib Mudde, 14. Edward Satulo, 15. Geriga Atendele, 16. Fahad Kawooya Kalule and 25. Hassan Wasswa Ssempewo,

Midfielders: 4. Lawrence Bukenya, 8. Ibrahim Kasule, 11. Gadafi Wahab, 12. Hassan Ssenyonjo, 17. Yasin Mugume, 18. Rahmat Ssenfuka, 19. Ivan Ssebuguzi, 22. Pius Kagwa, 23. Faizul Ibrahim and 26. Joshua Lubwama,

Forwards: 9. Amos Muwonge, 10. Viane Ssekajugo, 21. Karim Ndugwa and 29. Osman Miraji.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed the postponement of two matches which were set to take place in midweek.

After a successful start to the 2020-21 campaign on Saturday and Sunday, FKF has confirmed the match pitting Ulinzi Stars against Mathare United, and the Gor Mahia vs Zoo FC match will not be played as planned on Wednesday.

A statement obtained by Goal confirmed the postponement: “The midweek fixtures between Gor Mahia vs Zoo and Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United have been postponed.”

Ulinzi Stars have also confirmed the latest development by stating: "Kindly note that our game against Mathare United FC has been postponed. We were originally scheduled to play the 2008 league champs on Wednesday, December 2. A new date will be communicated in due course.”

While the Gor Mahia vs Zoo postponement might not raise eyebrows because the champions are preparing for their return leg match of the Caf Champion League against APR of Rwanda, there is no clear reason as to why the Ulinzi and Mathare match has been called off.

Ulinzi, Mathare United, and Zoo are some of the ‘rebel’ clubs which have refused to endorse the broadcast deal between FKF and StarTimes, and this could be the reason for the postponement of the match between Ulinzi and Mathare United.

The Kenyan league resumed on Saturday after nine months in the cold owing to the coronavirus pandemic as AFC Leopards beat Tusker 2-1 in the first match to open the season at Kasarani stadium.

With fans banned from watching matches, AFC Leopards were the first to arrive at the match venue with Tusker, and in hand to receive the teams was FKF president Nick Mwendwa, who was happy to see the return of football.

“I am happy for the players and the teams, now they can play and do what they like doing most, playing football, and now they can earn from the sport,” Mwendwa told Goal.

It was Sudanese import David Majak who grabbed the first goal of the new campaign, after he took advantage of a misunderstanding between AFC Leopards defenders, to stab home from close range.

However, the lead was short-lived as Ingwe drew level courtesy of captain Robinson Kamura, who drilled home a low effort before Elvis Rupia made sure they left the pitch with maximum points after sending the Tusker keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

In other matches played on Saturday, Kakamega Homeboyz edged out promoted side Vihiga United 1-0 while Bandari beat Sofapaka by the same margin.

On Sunday, Posta Rangers hammered KCB 3-0, Kariobangi Sharks thrashed Wazito FC 4-0, Nairobi City Stars beat Nzoia Sugar 2-0 while Bidco United and Western Stima settled for a barren draw.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joked that he is nothing like Manchester United’s new super sub Edinson Cavani as he “was always ready and had studs on”.

During Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic reign at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were blessed with an abundance of attacking riches. Solskjaer formed part of that fold for 11 years, scoring 126 goals in 366 appearances.

Many of those came from off the bench, with his most memorable contribution coming in the 1999 Champions League final when he snatched the most dramatic of winners against Bayern Munich to complete their historic treble.

United have looked to others for similar shows of inspiration down the years, with Cavani the latest striker on their books.

At 33 years of age, and with adjustments having to be made to life in English football, the Uruguayan has been used sparingly to this point.

He has, however, shown that none of his predatory instincts have deserted him, with his first goal for the club against Everton followed by a match-winning brace in his last outing at Southampton.

Cavani made one and scored a couple against the Saints as United battled back from two down to claim another three points on the road, but his introduction at the interval was delayed as he decided to change his studs.

Solskjaer is able to laugh about that now, having seen the experienced performer choose the worst possible time to tinker with his footwear, and is eager to avoid comparisons.

“We’re not the same types of players,” United’s manager told reporters when reflecting on Cavani’s input at St Mary’s. “I’ve not made him, he’s made himself. He reminds me of Andy Cole by the way, with his movement inside the box; he’s so sharp, clever, great timing.

“He’s not learned off me because he wasn’t ready when the second half started. I was always ready and had studs on, so he made us wait a little bit too much for my liking!”

While questioning Cavani’s time management, Solskjaer was delighted to see Cavani heeding advice that he was once given by Ferguson when it comes to the art of goalscoring.

The Norwegian added: “Sometimes, when we’ve scored goals, it had to be the 'perfect' goal, walking it in, with an extra pass and great skill.

“Edinson has been around the block and scored so many goals and played football for so long. He’s been between those posts so many times, he’s seen this game before, he’s scored that goal before.

"He knows exactly where to move and his best friend in the box is what Sir Alex always used to tell me: 'Your best friend in the box is space', and he gets into that space with perfect timing.”

Solskjaer went on to say: “He’s got all the attributes for a top-class footballer and human being.

”He’s had a great career and scored goals wherever he’s been. He’s so professional, so meticulous in his preparation, in his recovery, what he does at meal-times, before the game, during the game. So I was surprised when he didn’t have his boots on when the second half started.

“Also, to have a focal point in the box is important for us, we’ve not really had that since Romelu [Lukaku] left. Anthony [Martial], Marcus [Rashford], Mason [Greenwood], they’re different types of forwards. He gives us a great balance and a mix, so we wanted to mix it up and had an impact.”

Nigeria youth star Taiwo Awoniyi has stated he prefers to leave Liverpool after failing to secure a work permit in the UK since his arrival in 2015.

Awoniyi joined the Reds five years ago following his heroics at 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup and 2015 Africa U20 Championship where he helped Nigeria win both tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Senegal respectively.

Since his move to Liverpool, the 23-year-old has had seven loan stints in clubs across Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

He disclosed his ambition to play for the reigning Premier League champions but he was left with second thoughts after another loan deal was agreed with Union Berlin in September for the entire 2020-21 season.

"It is my dream to play for Liverpool. But me playing for Liverpool has to do with getting my work permit," Awoniyi told ESPN.

"Without it, there is no chance for me discussing about playing for Liverpool for now.

"This season was maybe a bit tough to make the decision because honestly, I was hoping to leave permanently.

"Liverpool have been great, they have been so supportive and we always talk with the director and every time, they tell me to be patient.

"But the reason I discussed something permanent this season was just that I felt most loans I have been to, have not really been the way I want it.

"And I felt like it happens that way because the loan players get less of an advantage than the players of their own club.

"That was what made me think, okay, maybe it's time to find a home with my family."

Awoniyi opened his goal account for the season with the opening strike in Union's 2-1 Bundesliga victory over Cologne a fortnight ago.

He is looking to build on the goal as Urs Fischer's side who are sixth in the German top-flight table and aim to enter the European qualification spots. 

"Every striker wants to score. I am a player that also wants to work for the team," the Imperial Academy product said. "And to make the work you are doing on the field count is when you score the goals.

"The first three games I started, I really put in a lot of work and everyone was impressed. Some of my teammates were really feeling bad because I had not scored before then.

"Getting that goal was really something that that gave me the joy that finally it came. But now, I just have to forget about it and look forward to the next one."