Jermain Defoe’s return to Sunderland is set to be announced imminently.
The 39-year-old has been in talks with the Black Cats throughout the month but the departure of Lee Johnson has revived the deal. The former Sunderland boss was understood to be lukewarm about the prospect of Defoe’s return.
But as reported by i earlier this month the player had his heart set on returning to Wearside after his surprise departure from Rangers and has hung on for Sunderland’s offer.
A source close to the deal confirmed to i the move was now “very close” and his return to the Black Cats should be confirmed before the end of transfer deadline day.
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The news will give Sunderland a much-needed lift after a weekend in which they lost 6-0 to Bolton, which was a major setback for their promotion hopes.
The Defoe return – on a short-term deal until the end of the season – is seen as a way of boosting their striker options while also injecting some experience and know-how into the squad. It will, of course, also lift the mood among supporters.
Defoe scored 37 goals in 93 appearances for the Sunderland between 2015 and 2017 and was a talismanic presence, helping inspire Sam Allardyce’s great escape. He is assured of a hero’s welcome at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats are now sifting through expressions of interest in their managerial vacancy after Lee Johnson was dismissed at the weekend.
Mick McCarthy has expressed his interest in the role while there is also interest from Grant McCann, the former Hull City boss. It is understood that owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is directly involved in the hunt for a successor to Johnson.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/gksCjc4AM
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