USA striker Jozy Altidore could have way out of Sunderland

Altidore’s future at the Stadium of Light remains under scrutiny with the American international yet to start a Premier League game for Sunderland this season and admitting he may have to leave in the transfer window to play regular first-team football.

The Black Cats are likely to sanction the 25-year-old’s departure in January if they can recoup the bulk of the £7million they invested in the summer of 2013, and Lille are potential suitors.

Lille are understood to have made an inquiry with Sunderland over Altidore’s availability during the summer and are thought to be in the market for a striker in January, particularly if Liverpool are able to cut short Divock Origi’s loan spell at the club.

The Ligue 1 side will draw up a five-man shortlist of attacking targets at the start of December, with Altidore’s name expected to be among those potential signings, as he fits the club’s profile.

Altidore, who has previously plied his trade in the Spanish and Dutch leagues, could be attracted by a move to France.

Despite Lille struggling at the wrong end of the table this season, they still have a chance of qualifying for the latter rounds of the Europa League after finishing in third spot last year.

There is also significant interest from the MLS in Altidore, with the former AZ Alkmaar man sparking social media speculation with a post on Twitter over the weekend.

Altidore sent a tweet to David Beckham’s former club LA Galaxy which read: “Stop blowing up my agent’s phone. No means no.” The post was subsequently deleted.

Altidore played in last night’s 4-1 USA defeat in Ireland.