Liverpool
are prepared to pay an increase on the £10million fee they have agreed
with Lille to accelerate Divock Origi’s release in January.
The
Belgium forward, whom Brendan Rodgers believes will be a ‘world-class
striker’, joined Liverpool in August but was immediately loaned back to
Lille to continue his development before heading to Anfield next summer.
But
such is Liverpool’s keenness to bring Origi in, they would be ready to
pay a premium to get him in the new year. Rodgers’ side have been
desperately short of goals, with Daniel Sturridge missing 14 games
through injury and Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini
struggling.
Lille,
however, have given no indication that they would be willing to re-jig
the original terms of the deal and hand Origi to Liverpool early, even
if the 19-year-old has admitted he would be happy to move in January.
‘It
is not me who makes the decisions but if the club choose to let me go
in January I would go, I would like to join Liverpool then,’ said Origi,
who scored for Belgium in their 3-1 win over Iceland on Wednesday.
‘I
said I would stay for the whole season and I wish to remain honourable
in that, of course. But if there was a decision by the clubs, I would
not say I wouldn’t like to go to Liverpool in January. Brendan Rodgers
is in contact, he (speaks) regularly, he wants to know how I am feeling.
‘It makes me
feel very good and wanted. Also the medical staff, they stay in touch
for the same reason – to keep me involved, telling me that they are
looking forward to me coming to the club. If there was that chance of
joining Liverpool sooner I would take it.
‘I
would love to move to Liverpool sooner rather than later. I am here at
Lille. It’s fine, they are a good club and they have helped me. But I
can’t wait to be playing in the Premier League because I can now see
that it will suit me better. I think there are good things waiting for
me with Liverpool.’
Origi,
who has scored five goals in France this season, played for Lille in
both their Europa League matches against Everton recently. He has made a
point of watching how Liverpool have fared and believes their current
position in the Barclays Premier League does not reflect their
capabilities.
‘I
have been following Liverpool closely, the events of what has been
going on and I think they have had a difficult time,’ said Origi. ‘They
have a team with a lot of talent, with a lot of good players. They also
have a very, very good coach.
‘But
they have had a lot of injuries and this has not helped them. It is
difficult when you do not have a player like Daniel Sturridge, for
instance. What I believe is that they just have to be more efficient but
I also believe that it is only a matter of time before it comes.’
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