Jermain Defoe has scored 14 times in 25 matches for Sunderland.
Rio Ferdinand has told BT Sport’s Premier League Show, which was broadcast on 11th February, that he believed Jermain Defoe would leave Sunderland in the January transfer window.
Defoe was Sunderland’s top scorer last season, and he has once again been their most integral player in their battle against the drop this time around.
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The veteran international has hit the back of the net 14 times in 25 Premier League matches this season.
And Ferdinand feared that Defoe would leave the Stadium of Light, due to the lack of support he has received.
Defoe’s current Sunderland teammates have often left him short of service, and capitulated during matches.
The Black Cats also failed to invest in January, with David Moyes’ side limited in their ability to spend money.
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Sunderland snapped up Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson from Everton, while they also brought in Joleon Lescott on a free transfer.
And Ferdinand said: “I thought Defoe would be off, because there’s no investment. He needs help, it’s as simple as that.”
Sunderland are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, after losing 4-0 by Southampton in their last outing.
The Black Cats are two points away from safety, with their next fixture coming against Everton at Goodison Park in two weekends’ time.
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