Jozy Altidore is hoping for a winter transfer out of Sunderland after a disappointing 18 months in the UK. The USA striker may be a regular for Jürgen Klinsmann’s national team, but has struggled to make an impression for Gus Poyet’s side, managing a solitary league goal in 33 appearances.

Altidore, currently with the USA squad before the “Landon Donovan farewell” friendly against Ecuador said: “I thought I’ve done everything I could this season to come in as fit as possible with the injury and try to make an impact when I’ve played.

“But like I said this four years I want to be part of the national team. Jürgen makes his message very clear, nobody is different, so if it doesn’t turn around then in January I’ll be looking to start elsewhere and make sure that I’m in his plans.”

It’s a change in fortunes for Altidore who was so impressive in Holland where he scored 38 goals in 67 league appearances for AZ Alkmaar. However, it will be the second time the striker has left the Premier League with his tail between his legs. A previous spell in England, on loan at Hull City, ended with Altidore having managed one league goal in 28 appearances - making for a grand total of two goals in two goals in 61 league games. Not a great return for an international forward – perhaps there’s something in the English water that doesn’t agree with him?