Victor Boniface is reportedly weighing up his future at Bayer Leverkusen after finding regular first-team opportunities difficult to come by at the Bundesliga club, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The Super Eagles striker's representatives have reportedly informed Leverkusen of his intention to leave, although discussions with potential suitors have yet to reach an advanced stage and no agreement has been reached.
Despite the uncertainty, Leverkusen have not closed the door on Boniface returning to the first team, with sporting director Simon Rolfes maintaining that the Nigerian can still fight his way back into the squad.
Speaking on October 24, Rolfes said he was not worried about the striker's situation, suggesting that there was still an opportunity for him to improve his standing at the club.
Rolfes acknowledged that pressing and movement without the ball were not necessarily among Boniface's strongest qualities but insisted that the forward offered other attributes valued by the German side.
Both Rolfes and head coach Carles Martinez have reportedly stressed the importance of Boniface improving his physical condition and rediscovering his intensity if he hopes to earn more playing time.
The 25-year-old's lack of involvement this season has added to speculation about a possible departure. He was left out of Leverkusen's Europa League league-phase squad, with Jonas Hofmann taking his place after Martin Terrier suffered an injury.
Boniface has managed just one Bundesliga appearance this season, playing five minutes in Leverkusen's 3-2 defeat to newly promoted SV Elversberg on the opening day of the campaign.
A report by Pulse Sports on October 16 also indicated that the Nigerian had featured only once since returning from his loan spell at Werder Bremen.
His chances of reclaiming a regular starting position have also been affected by competition from Patrik Schick, who currently holds the advantage in the battle for the central striker role.
According to Sky, a loan move is viewed as the most likely route if Boniface leaves Leverkusen, although a permanent transfer remains a possibility.
For now, Leverkusen have made no official announcement about the striker's future, leaving his potential exit as an ongoing transfer situation rather than a confirmed departure.