US striker Jozy Altidore’s move to Hull held up by delay in obtaining a work permit

Altidore’s move to Hull held up by permit delay

LONDON — U.S. striker Jozy Altidore’s move to Hull has been held up by a delay in obtaining a work permit.

Five days ago, the Premier League team announced it had signed Altidore on a season-long loan from the Spanish club Villarreal. Instead of taking the field for Hull in the season opener at Chelsea on Saturday, Altidore said on Twitter he was still in the United States.

“Bad news, guys. Still in the States trying to sort things out with my work permit. There is a lil more work that has to be done,” Altidore said.

Hull chairman Paul Duffen hopes to complete the signing Tuesday.

Altidore played on the U.S. team that reached the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa. The Americans beat European champion Spain in the semifinals but losing 3-2 to Brazil after leading 2-0.

After Hull’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea, manager Phil Brown said his team needs to strengthen its attack.

“We need a goal scorer on the front line. We got a goal from a midfielder (Stephen Hunt) but didn’t get a strike from a striker,” said Brown, who signed Hunt and Algerian international Kamel Ghilas on Thursday.

“We’re trying to bring a top class No. 9 in and, if we can do that, it will improve another area from last season. Hopefully that player will be in the camp before Wednesday.”