David Moyes admission gives West Ham encouragement over Jermain Defoe prospects

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Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is once again being linked with a return to West Ham United.

Defoe, who started his career with the Hammers, has become a talismanic figure for the Black Cats who look set for another season-long battle against relegation.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth forward divides opinion among West Ham fans, none of whom doubt his quality but plenty who have never forgiven him for forcing through a move to bitter rivals Spurs following the club’s relegation back in 2003.

West Ham have been regularly linked with a move for Defoe and given West Ham’s woes in front of goal this season most would welcome him back with open arms.

It would be tantamount to footballing suicide for Sunderland to let Defoe leave in January.

Sunderland manager David Moyes speaks to Jermain Defoe

But an admission from David Moyes this week that the club is cash strapped – as reported by the likes of the Guardian – could tempt Slaven Bilic to test the water when the transfer window opens in just over two weeks.

Bilic is a keen admirer of Defoe and recently sung the praises of Defoe insisting he has got better since his move to the US.

Martin Bain, Sunderland’s chief executive, recently acknowledged that Moyes would have “very limited” funds in January as Ellis Short, the much-maligned owner, attempts to reduce a £140m debt while keeping his £73m wage bill within Premier League remuneration cap rules.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

And Moyes admitted this week: “It’s a bigger challenge than I thought because of the situation the club are in and the situation I’ve been put in.

“It’s a bigger job than I expected.

“I didn’t know the club could be going up for sale. I wasn’t made aware of it before.”

Adding further fuel to the fire this week Hammers co-owner David Sullivan told his club’s official website that he is determined to sign some ‘quality reinforcements’.

And widespread reports in the likes of The Telegraph have linked Bilic with a firm interest in the forthcoming window.

Any Hammers fans who still can’t forgive Defoe for walking out on them more than a decade ago should bear in mind that three years ago Defoe admitted he was wrong to leave and insisted he still loves the club, as reported by the likes of the Mirror.