AZ Alkmaar reject Sunderland enquiry for Jozy Altidore

Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar have rejected a bid from Premier League side Sunderland.

The Black Cats made the offer last Tuesday as boss Paolo Di Canio looks set to have a new shape to his squad by offering the American International forward a way back into the Premier League following his previous spell with Hull City on loan.

Altidore spent a solitary and unsuccessful season with Hull City in 2009 in which he bagged just 1goal in 28 appearances. Since making his move to the Eredivise, he has been very impressive scoring 31 goals across all competitions last season.

Alkmaar who recently sold their highly rated young starlet Adam Maher to PSV Eindhoven for £8 million are now in no pressure to sell their in-form striker..

An AZ spokesman told Dutch press agency ANP: “A first bid was insufficient. We have let them know that. Now we have to wait.”

Sunderland must now decide whether to make an improved offer for the 23-year-old or find a solution to their problem elsewhere.