Several clubs have held talks over Divock Origi but the Belgium international is "99 percent certain" to spend the coming season at Lille, the CEO of the French club's new shirt sponsor has told Sporza.
- Laurens: Spotlight on Origi
Sources have told ESPN FC that Liverpool are pursuing a deal for Origi, 19, but the Reds would look to loan him back to his current club for the 2014-15 season if the transfer were completed. He has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Roma.
Etixx CEO Marc Coucke confirmed that there have been discussions with a number of sides but insisted there was every expectation Origi would still be at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for another year.
"Absolutely," Coucke told the Belgian TV station. "It's not about who owns him next season. It's about where he will play, and then I can tell you -- it's 99 percent certain it will be Lille."
He added: "We are head sponsors there now, and of course we have discussed this. Lille is close to the Belgian border -- many fans come from Belgium to watch the games -- so having a Red Devil there is a massive asset.
"Of course, with everything that happens at the World Cup, you can never be completely certain. There are enormous amounts being offered, so it is not certain that he will be Lille's player next season, but in all talks held with every club, it has been agreed that he will play there for at least another season."
Origi had spent most of his time playing on the left wing with Lille but has made his name at the World Cup as a central striker.
"The evolution from the left side of the pitch to the striker position is a logical step," Coucke said.