West Ham United are said to have made ‘opening moves’ to sign their former player from Sunderland.
Jermain Defoe would have to submit a transfer request in order to leave Sunderland in January, according to the Daily Mail.
West Ham United are said to have made ‘opening moves’ to sign their former player, but Sunderland, it is claimed, have no desire to lose him.
The report adds that even if Defoe were to try to force through a return to east London, his request may still be blocked by the Mackems.
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe
Sunderland are two points adrift of Premier League safety and head into the New Year without several key players and a couple more – Wahbi Khazri and Didier N’Dong – off to the African Cup of Nations.
It has been speculated that David Moyes’ desperation to add to his squad could lead to January sales, with funds limited according to chief executive Martin Bain.
However, with Defoe scoring half of the Mackems’ 16 league goals this season, he is the player they most cannot afford to lose.
The Daily Mail reports the 34-year-old does, however, have a clause to leave the Stadium of Light should Sunderland suffer relegation this season.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
The Newham-born striker is also said to be of interest to former West Ham and Mackems boss Sam Allardyce, who took the reins at Crystal Palace last week.
There is no suggestion that Defoe is looking to leave Sunderland.
Can West Ham get their man in January?
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