Lille In The Hunt For Altidore

Out-of-favour Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore is being chased by French outfit Lille, who fear the January loss of Divock Origi to parent club Liverpool.

The 25-year-old American has been the subject of intense speculation over his future due to his limited chances at the Stadium of Light and the Ligue 1 club are the latest to be linked, according to Voix du Nord.

Lille are currently sitting 14th in a condensed domestic league and fear losing Belgian international Divock Origi, 19, to Liverpool early despite agreeing a season-long loan deal to keep the forward at Stade Pierre-Mauroy for one more campaign.

Brendan Rodgers' side have struggled for goals following the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the frustrating injury troubles suffered by Daniel Sturridge, but signed the promising Lille man initially with a view to next term.

However, with Origi looking sharp for both club and country, there have been calls for a renegotiation of the loan agreement allowing the youngster safe passage to Anfield earlier than expected.

Meanwhile, a move to the MLS appears less likely than first thought following Jozy Altidore's bizarre tweets in exchange with LA Galaxy, which suggested they'd been harassing his agent about a transfer even though the player had already advised them of his lack of interest in such a proposal.

The French league is of a high standard, and a switch to the Great Danes would appeal to a player who has plied his trade in a number of countries including Spain and Holland during his career.

Altidore is busy focusing on a friendly match with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin at this moment in time, but judging by his recent comments on social media, he's also got one eye on his next destination.

Should Liverpool pursue the early release of Origi, then expect to see a swift offer winging its way to Wearside for Altidore's services.