Belgium striker tipped for PL switch

Origi

Former England hitman Michael Owen has tipped Lille striker Divock Origi to join a Premier League club after seeing him shine for Belgium during the World Cup.

His national side cruised through to the knock-out stages of the tournament in Brazil and the 19-year-old has managed to showcase his raw talent despite going into the competition down the pecking order.

The striker is competing with the likes of Chelsea targetman Romelu Lukaku for a starting berth but rose to prominence courtesy of a last-gasp winner against Russia at the weekend.

He also grabbed an assist in last night’s 1-0 triumph over South Korea, providing the pass for Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen’s 78th-minute strike.

Owen took to social media site Twitter to back the teenager for a big-money move to England.

He told his followers: “This lad, Origi, who has come on for Belgium looks quality.

“Only 19, plays for Lille. I expect him to turn up in the Premier League soon.”

Origi featured heavily for Ligue 1 outfit Lille last term, notching five goals in the process, and is tipped to become a central figure if the French club can resist interest from clubs dotted around Europe.

He has two years remaining on his current contract at Lille.