Jermain Defoe is looking for a substantial contract this summer, with Bournemouth and West Ham United keen.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe wants a three-year contract on £80,000-a-week when he leaves the club this summer, with Bournemouth and West Ham interested.
Defoe, 34, has again proved his goalscoring pedigree in the Premier League, smashing 14 goals in 34 games for Sunderland, serving as one of their shining lights in a disastrous season.
Sunderland’s relegation to the Premier League means that Defoe can leave the club for free due to a clause in his contract, and the England international looks set for an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Daily Mail report that two of Defoe’s former clubs – Bournemouth and West Ham United – are both keen to land the striker, though he has set out some clear demands for his signature.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe gestures
It’s claimed that, not only does Defoe want a three-year contract despite his advancing years, but he also wants £80,000-a-week and a hefty signing-on fee, given that he will be moving as a free agent.
That’s considerable money and a major commitment for three years, meaning any club that wants to sign Defoe may face paying him £80,000-a-week up until the turns 37.
Everton’s Morgan Schneiderlin in action with Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
Those demands would also make Defoe West Ham’s joint-highest earner should he join the club, with The Times reporting in February that striker Andy Carroll is West Ham’s highest earner on £80,000-a-week following Dimitri Payet’s January move to Marseille.
Defoe is the natural finisher that West Ham have lacked this season though, and whilst the veteran isn’t the most popular of figures having handed in a transfer request to leave West Ham less than 24 hours after their Premier League relegation in 2003, he could be a smart addition on a free transfer – if they are willing to pay those hefty wages.
Would you like to see your club give Defoe £80,000-a-week?
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