Altidore loaned to second-division leader Xerez

By Allen Ramsey, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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Striker Jozy Altidore, who was sold by MLS to Villarreal last summer in a record signing for an American, has been loaned out by the Yellow Submarine.

Altidore will join Spanish second-division leaders Xerez through the end of the current season. The move comes as no surprise as rumors of a loan for the 19-year-old have been circling for months.

Altidore found limited minutes in his first half-season with Villarreal. The American played in only six league games and twice in Copa del Rey, scoring only one goal. However, Altidore seemed hopeful that the move to Xerez would help him find more minutes on the field in the near future.

"It is a good option for me because I will have more options to add minutes on the field," the former Red Bull star told Villarreal's official Web site. "This will help me to adapt in this country, as I hope to continue to grow in my career."

The move will afford Altidore the chance to help in Xerez's bid for promotion. The Azulinos find themselves currently sitting three points clear in the second division just one year after finishing in 15th place.

Other clubs throughout Europe have shown interest in Altidore but the move to a club where he should see substantial minutes early on seems to make since for both the player and Villarreal.