The 14-goal Sunderland striker has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham United, but could Brighton rival the Hammers to their former player’s signature?
England’s Jermain Defoe during training
Bookmakers Sky Bet are listing Brighton & Hove Albion as surprise second favourites to sign Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe during the summer transfer window.
Defoe, who returned to the England fold after four years away on Wednesday, is expected to leave Sunderland should they fail to avoid relegation this campaign.
The 34-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to first club West Ham United in such an event, after the Hammers tried unsuccessfully tried to sign him in January.
It is perhaps no surprise then that Slaven Bilic’s side are Sky Bet’s 2/1 front-runners to sign the 14-goal star at present. However, with odds of 3/1 themselves, could Brighton prove an unlikely rival in West Ham’s pursuit?
A move to the Amex Stadium would perhaps appeal to Defoe should Sunderland succumb to the drop, with the Seagulls on course to replace the Mackems in next season’s top flight.
Defoe has also worked under Brighton boss Chris Hughton previously, when the latter was Tottenham Hotspur’s assistant manager.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton is Defoe’s former colleague
The Sussex side’s rivals Crystal Palace are the only other team listed by Sky Bet as contenders for Defoe’s signature, with odds of 6/1.
Eagles boss Sam Allardyce managed the Londoner at the Stadium of Light last season.
Do Brighton have a shot at Defoe, or is the Sunderland striker destined for West Ham United?
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