It is no secret that MLS clubs are considering ending Jozy Altidore’s disastrous 18-month stint at Sunderland – where the USA striker has gone more than a year without scoring a Premier League goal – but no move looks imminent.
Although it is understood Sunderland have conducted preliminary talks with three MLS clubs, no fee has been agreed for a player who cost £6.5m when he came to Wearside from AZ Alkmaar.
Toronto FC, Portand Timbers and Altidore’s old club New York Red Bulls are monitoring his situation along with France’s Lille but Gus Poyet suggested it may be nearer the end of the month before any move occurs.
“They know more in America than me,” said Sunderland’s manager, whohopes to replace Altidore with a more prolific finisher in the next three weeks. “The agent was coming over two or three months ago but, since then, nothing.”
Poyet, who said Altidore was in the squad for Saturday’s game at home to Liverpool, added: “Officially there has been no approach for any of our players so we need to wait. But with Jozy things are clear – we talk together a lot and we are both very clear on what the future should bring.”
Greg Vanney, the Toronto coach, has been a little more forthcoming, not to mention rather less cryptic. “We’ll see what happens,” he said. “We’ll throw our hat in the ring. He [Altidore] 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.”