iNews claim that Sunderland have opened talks to re-sign Jermain Defoe after the veteran striker mutually agreed to terminate his Rangers deal. The striker is also attracting interest from numerous Championship sides.
Defoe, 39, had only made two substitute appearances for Rangers this season. Following the exit of Steven Gerrard as manager, Defoe reverted to just being a player – and not a player coach, as he was under Gerrard.
That has subsequently seen Defoe, Rangers and Gio van Bronckhorst decide to end his Rangers spell six months before the end of his contract. He is seemingly intent on continuing his career, and Sunderland are keen.
Of course, Defoe is well-liked at Sunderland having scored 37 goals in 93 games for the Black Cats. Talks have opened to lure Defoe back to the Stadium of Light, but other Championship clubs are said to be keen.
Sunderland eye Defoe: Return to Wearside, after Rangers exit?
A return to Sunderland – and playing in League One – is a good move for Defoe. At Championship level, realistically, Defoe will be a substitute – starting the odd game. The English Football League is unforgiving.
The Saturday-Tuesday scheduled might prove too much for Defoe at 39, and another spell in the MLS might be better suited. But the lure of returning to a club he previously starred at is said to be convincing for Defoe.
Certainly, he could do a whole lot worse than rejoining Lee Johnson’s side, at least until the end of the season – with Sunderland sitting second in League One and pushing for automatic promotion.
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