West Ham United are believed to be interested in signing Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe.
Jermain Defoe’s comments to Football.London back in January about joining West Ham United appear to suggest that he would not be opposed to a move to the London Stadium in the summer.
West Ham were linked with Defoe back at the start of the year, but nothing came of the move – with Sunderland rejecting Slaven Bilic’s side’s offers.
However, according to the Chronicle, West Ham will return for Defoe this summer.
The Hammers believe that they will be able to sign the 34-year-old on a free transfer, if Sunderland are relegated.
In January Defoe tried to play down the rumours, but he admitted that it was ‘nice’ to be wanted by West Ham – which hints that a move to Slaven Bilic’s side could appeal.
“Even with the speculation about West Ham, it’s always nice when you’re wanted,” Defoe said.
“But at the end of the day, I’ve been a part of this game for a long time and that’s part and parcel of it now, so it was easy for me to see it and just think, okay, that’s nice people want me, but I’ve got to be focused on Sunderland.”
Defoe has been in brilliant form this season for Sunderland, and he has netted 14 goals.
West Ham apparently believe that Defoe’s arrival would increase the quality of their forward line, if he did sign up.
If Defoe was to move to West Ham, he would be in competition with the likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho for a starting place.
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