Liverpool’s summer signing Divock Origi will remain on loan at French Ligue 1 side Lille for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.

It had been rumoured that Origi would return to Liverpool in January whilst the club seek to sell flop Mario Balotelli.

In an interview with Belgian newspaper RTBF, Lille head coach René Girard confirmed Divock Origi would remain with the club until the end of the season:

“It’s just a rumor. There was no truth to my knowledge. It was agreed that Divock plays the year with us. There is no reason for him to leave mid-season.”

Mario Balotelli has been a sight of frustration to Liverpool fans ever since he made his £16 million switch from AC Milan in August.

The controversial Italian striker is still yet to net a single Premier League goal in his eight appearances for the Reds.  Brendan Rodgers’ side were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle on Saturday meaning they have failed to score in their last two league games.

Divock Origi has been somewhat more successful in Lille where he has scored three goals in ten Ligue 1 appearances (7 starts) this season.

The Premier League side paid Lille £10 million for the highly-rated 19-year old after the World Cup this summer where Origi scored.  He was immediately loaned back to his former side.

Liverpool currently have strikers Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini on their books.  England international Sturridge has been out with an injury since early September but is expected to return this weekend when they take on Chelsea at Anfield.

Tomorrow night, Liverpool are in Spain to face defending champions Real Madrid in the Champions League.