Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Divock Origi will remain at Lille for the remainder of the season rather than return to Anfield.
The Reds boss was reportedly keen to cut short the Belgian forward's loan at the French club in a bid to bolster his attacking options.
However, Rodgers has now conceded that Origi's immediate future still lies with Lille.
"The original deal was for him to come next summer," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "There were a few discussions in January.
"The likelihood is that he will stay at Lille. He's a really exciting young talent and has got everything you need for the Premier League. He's fast, has great feet, is tactically very good, and he works hard.
"Everything is set up for him to come to the Premier League. He just needs to finish the season at Lille and we'll have him for next season."
Origi signed for Liverpool last summer for a reported £10m fee, but was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 club.
Steven Toplis
