Premier League teams look set to miss out on Awaziem as switch to Boavista nears completion

SEVERAL English Premier league clubs hopeful of signing Super Eagles centreback Chigozie Awaziem ahead of the forthcoming season look set to miss out as he poised to make switch to fellow Portuguese side Boavista from Porto.

Awaziem, 24 is a Porto player who was sent out on loan to Spanish side Leganes last season as part of a programme to get him playing time. Following a sterling season in Spain, several English clubs have made enquiries about Awaziem, with newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion (WBA) keen on signing him where he would pair up with his compatriot Semi Ajayi in the heart of the defence.

Back in 2017, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was very keen on taking Awaziem to Anfield but nothing came of the move. Now that Awaziem is likely to meet the Home Office 75% criteria enabling him to play in England, it was thought could be another bid with Porto only demanding a €10m transfer fee.

However, Boavista, are very keen on signing the defender as it plans to challenge for a European place over the forthcoming season. With Porto having told Awaziem that he is not part of their plans this season, talks have begun and it is believed that the transfer deal is about 75% complete.

Awaziem's agent said: "Awaziem will likely join Boavista. We are working on a deal and I can see it being a loan deal that is around 75% done."

Last season, while playing for Leganes alongside compatriot Kenneth Omeruo, Awaziem was nominated by the club as its best player for the campaign. He has played in various positions for the club over the season, including as centre back, right full back and as defensive midfielder.