:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45178854/450386978.0.jpg)
Jozy Altidore's Sunderland days looked closer to an end after MLS side Toronto FC confirmed their interest in taking the USA national team captain back to North America.
Toronto look set to lose Jermain Defoe back to the Premier League this month, and head coach Greg Vanney says they will 'throw their hat in the ring' to replace him with Altidore, telling the Toronto Sun:
We'll see what happens. We'll throw our hat in the ring.
He knows the league. He knows North American soccer. He has experience internationally and he's a big, strong forward. I think he can score goals in this league.
SEE ALSO: Sunderland Transfer Window Guide - The Key questions answered
New York Red Bulls, where Altidore started his career, and Portland Timbers are also believed to be interested, but it's starting to all look a little inevitable. I suppose it all boils down to whether the player himself feels ready to return home.
It's unlikely Sunderland will recoup all of the money the paid for the American 18 months ago, but his current transfer value will be swelled by a move to the US due to his commercial worth there, to it may well be a good move for all parties.
