Transfer news: Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore wants to stay at the Stadium of Light

Jozy Altidore: Endured a difficult season at Sunderland

The 24-year-old striker has scored just one Premier League goal since his £6.5m arrival from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar last July.

The USA international subsequently lost his starting place to Connor Wickham - who was later named as the Player of the Month for April after bagging five goals in three games.

Despite Wickham's impressive form for the Black Cats, Altidore has vowed to return stronger for next season and hopes to force his way back into manager Gus Poyet's starting XI.

"Absolutely (I'll return to Sunderland in the summer). I'm looking forward to next season," he told the Journal.

"For me it'll be a fun challenge. I'm looking forward to getting back there next season and hitting the ground running from the first game on.

"I believe in myself. You're going to go through tough times.

"It can't be that every season you have a blinder. The biggest thing is how you respond to that."

Altidore has been named in USA's provisional 30-man World Cup squad, alongside fellow Premier League participants Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Geoff Cameron.