Liverpool youngster Arroyo to join Gent on season-long loan

The Colombian youth international was with Real Mallorca last season but will now link up with fellow Red, Taiwo Awoniyi, in Belgium

youngster Anderson Arroyo is joining Gent on a season-long loan deal, Goal can confirm.

The Colombian youth international will join team-mate Taiwo Awoniyi at the Belgian club, with the deal close to completion.

The versatile defender, 18, joined Liverpool from Fortalez in February and was immediately loaned to Spanish side Real Mallorca, where he made 13 appearances for the 'B' team.

He was due to remain with the Seguna B outfit this season too, but Liverpool have decided his development would be better served at Gent.

Arroyo underwent a medical in on Wednesday and is expected to finalise his move before the weekend. He will attend their play-off clash with on Thursday evening.

As with Awoniyi, who is due to start against Bordeaux, Liverpool believe that playing top-flight football, and potentially Europa League football too, will aid Arroyo as they look to qualify him for a UK work permit.

The Reds expect at least three more departures from the club before the closure of the European transfer window next Friday.

As confirmed by Goal, Loris Karius is set to join Besiktas on a two-year loan deal while midfielder Pedro Chirivella is likely to depart on a permanent deal, with and a host of clubs in keen on the Spanish midfielder.

Sheyi Ojo, meanwhile, is expected to move to the Championship on loan. were leading the race for the winger, but with Yannick Bolasie set to move to Villa Park from Everton, Liverpool will consider other suitors for the U-20 World Cup winner.

The future of striker Divock Origi remains uncertain too. are interested in signing the Belgian on a loan-to-buy deal, but Liverpool will not budge from their asking price of £27million ($35m).

The Reds loaned Marko Grujic to Hertha Berlin last weekend, and the Serbian could make his debut in Saturday's opener with Nuremberg.