Belgian Starlet Divock Origi Will Play for Lille Next Season Even if Liverpool Strike a Deal

Belgium starlet Divock Origi will play for Lille next season regardless of whether Liverpool strike a deal with the Ligue 1 club for the striker this summer.

The 19-year-old has been one of the World Cup's breakout stars in Brazil for Marc Wilmots' side with performances that have prompted Liverpool to make an opening bid of £10m for his services.

His emergence has inevitably seen a host of European club's linked with attempts to secure his signature but Brendan Rodgers' side would appear to have stolen a march on the competition.

Reports suggest the Reds are keen to sign Origi but will allow him to return to France on a season-long loan next season to ensure negotiations with Lille go smoothly.

Doubts over the future of Luis Suarez at Anfield have since raised the question of whether Liverpool can afford to further shorten their striking options but Lille's general manager Frederic Paquet suggests Origi will definitely remain at the Stade Pierre Mauroy for the 2014/15 season.

"Origi? The only certainty is that he will be with us this season," Pacquet told reporters on Tuesday, Le Sport 10 report.

With a deal with Liverpool reportedly close to being agreed Origi could become the 13<sup>th player in the Belgium squad to be tied to a Premier League cub next season. His compatriot Jan Vertonghen recently spoke of Origi's proposed move to England and backed the teenager to seamlessly handle the transition.

"He has the qualities to play in the Premier League and it shows in every match," the Tottenham Hotspur defender said. "This is the kind of player who does not feel the pressure, he played as if he was in the street with his friends."

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has also hailed the Belgian sensation ahead of his possible arrival at Anfield. "He is very, very good. The last couple of games he has come in for us, done a great job and changed the game," he told reporters.

"He is a huge prospect and still only young. Today when he came onto the pitch he showed his class and helped us win the game. He is an exciting player."