West Ham have reportedly failed with a bid for Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe.
According to The Mirror, West Ham United have offered £5million for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe – and whilst the Hammers think that the veteran is keen on a move back to London, the Black Cats don’t want to sell.
The Hammers are desperate for a new striker given that summer signings Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza have completely flopped since arriving on loan, and both look set to leave this month having failed to score for the club.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring against Liverpool
Whilst Andy Carroll is back to full fitness, his lengthy injury history means that West Ham still need another striker, and they appear to be keen on bringing a former star back to the club.
The Mirror report that West Ham have made a £5million bid for Sunderland hitman Jermain Defoe, but their offer has been instantly rejected by the relegation-threatened Black Cats.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring
It’s added that West Ham believe Defoe, 34, is keen on a return to London, but Sunderland are adamant that their star man is not for sale, as his goals will be key to David Moyes’ hopes of staying in the Premier League – as we saw with his two goals against Liverpool on Monday.
A proven Premier League goalscorer, Defoe made his name with West Ham following a 1999 move from Charlton Athletic, and he hit 41 goals in 105 games for the Hammers before leaving for London rivals Tottenham in 2004.
Manager Slaven Bilic now wants to bring Defoe back to East London, but Sunderland have rejected their £5million bid, leaving West Ham to consider whether to increase their offer during this month’s transfer window.
Crystal Palace – managed by Defoe’s former Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce – are also believed to be keen, and whilst Sunderland won’t want to sell, it remains to be seen whether there is a value that will tempt them into letting the 34-year-old leave.
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