Sunderland have contacted Jermain Defoe about an emotional return to the Stadium of Light – and the veteran striker is seriously considering the move.
Defoe left Rangers last week but is not retiring, and at the age of 39 wants to play for at least six more months.
He has been contacted by a pair of Championship clubs and a third-tier side – understood to be Sunderland – in the days after leaving Ibrox. Ideally he would like to play at the highest level possible but the connection with the Black Cats means he would consider dropping into League One for a final flourish.
Defoe is hugely popular at the Stadium of Light, where he scored 34 goals in 87 games and fully embraced both the region and the responsibility placed on his shoulders as the club’s talisman.
More from Football
5 contenders to replace Benitez with Rooney favourite to become Everton boss16 January, 2022
Liverpool move above Chelsea with convincing win over Brentford - ratings and analysis16 January, 2022
Harrison hat-trick helps depleted Leeds dent West Ham’s top-four hopes – ratings and analysis16 January, 2022Although a return to Sunderland is not at an advanced stage – and Lee Johnson said “a million and one things would have to click into place” for the deal to happen – the prospect does hold appeal to the veteran forward.
He remains sharp, believes he is match fit and the biggest priority is to play games. i understands Defoe will take this week to consider his options before making a definitive decision. But he will be well aware of the impact a return to Wearside would have on Sunderland, whose League One promotion campaign has stuttered slightly over the last week with two draws and a defeat.
The former England man said on Friday: “I’ve had a few calls from different clubs, quite relaxed really.
“Do you still fancy playing for six months? We still believe you can do something and help us get over the line or help us improve, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room.”
The Black Cats are in the market for a forward with Nathan Broadhead missing with a long-term injury.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3txZLSn
Post a Comment