Villarreal won't let starlet leave

Everton foiled in Altidore bid

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 9th January 2009

Villarreal won't let starlet leave

Altidore: No move

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Villarreal have confirmed there is interest in American starlet Jozy Altidore, but they have no intention of letting him leave.

Skysports.com revealed that Everton had been keen on taking the highly-rated 19-year-old on loan for the rest of the season.

But Villarreal want their summer signing from MLS to continue adapting to life in La Liga, despite only using him sparingly so far during his Spanish career.

Yellow Submarines coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he told the club's directors that he wanted to keep Altidore, as they geared up for the second half of the season.

"The squad is prepared for the battles of the second part of the season," said Pellegrini.

"I have demanded the continuity of Altidore within our club, but the final decision lies with the directors."

Interest

A club spokesman admitted a number of clubs had asked about the American international - but revealed no bids were on the table after they confirmed they had no intention of letting him leave.

"Some clubs have asked about Altidore, but formally there is nothing on the table," said a spokesman.

"Altidore is a player of the future and Villarreal is not interested in a sale."