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Origi wants Liverpool debut in January

Belgium's Divock Origi takes on Hordur Magnusson of Iceland in a friendly on Wednesday © Getty Images

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Divock Origi has told Liverpool he wants to start playing for them ahead of schedule in January.

The striker signed for the Anfield club from Ligue 1 side Lille in July in a £9.5 million deal. As part of the agreement, he was loaned back to the French side for the season, during which he has scored four goals in 17 appearances so far.

However, Lille - who finished third in France last season - have slumped to 14th in the top flight after picking up one point from their last five matches. They are also on the brink of Europa League elimination after failing to win any of their four group matches, losing 3-0 at Everton on November 6.

Origi, who scored for Belgium as they beat Iceland 3-1 in a friendly in Brussels on Wednesday, has made clear he would love to bring forward his Liverpool debut if possible.

"Maybe January, who knows?" he said. "It's not me who makes the decisions, but if the club choose to let me go in January, I would go. I would like to join Liverpool then.

"Although I agreed to stay with Lille until the end of this season, if there was that chance of joining Liverpool sooner, I would take it.

"I said that I would stay for the whole season and I wish to remain honourable in that, of course.

"But if there was a decision by the clubs, I would not say that I would not like to go to Liverpool in January. I would love to move sooner rather than later.

"I am here at Lille, it is fine, they are a good club and they have helped me. But it is also frustrating. It is French football. I can't wait to be playing in the Premier League because I can now see that it will suit me better."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers last week revealed that the club are in regular contact with Origi as they monitor his progress in France.

"That makes me feel very good and wanted," Origi added. "Also the medical staff, they stay in touch for the same reason, telling me they are looking forward to me coming to the club."

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