AZ Alkmaar technical director Earnest Stewart remains hopeful of reaching a deal for Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore. The Eredivisie side are keen to bolster their resources up front after star forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson departed for Ajax earlier this week. USA international Altidore is on their radar, but it is thought the Dutch club would struggle to match his current wages at Villarreal. However, Stewart has not ruled out a swoop for the 21-year-old, telling Voetbal International : "We have some candidates for the top position in mind and that definitely includes Altidore." Altidore has failed to break into the Villarreal first team since joining from New York Red Bulls in 2008 and has spent time on loan at Hull City, Xerez and Bursaspor. Potential Despite his struggles in the Primera Liga, Stewart believes the young American has a lot to offer. "I think the timing of the course he chose was wrong," he added. "(The level of) Villarreal was just too high and I think he is aware (of that). "But he still has enormous potential. We have opportunities to consider." Altidore himself hinted at an Eredivisie move late last month when he said via his Twitter account: "Learning Dutch is gona (sic) be hard. Can I get the "how to" on Rosetta stone?" AZ's bid to capture the striker could be hindered after reports emerged he could sign for Udinese as part of an exchange deal with Villarreal for defender Christian Zapata.
