West Ham United are believed to be interested in signing Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe.
Tony Cottee has told Sky Sports that he would like to see Jermain Defoe at West Ham United next season.
West Ham are said to be interested in the Sunderland forward (Sky Sports), but they face competition for his signature.
A whole host of Premier League sides are prepared to offer Defoe a contract, as he is available on a free transfer from Sunderland.
But Cottee thinks that Defoe’s preference would be to move to the London Stadium.
“Would I like him there? Yes I would. He’s a goalscorer and it’s hard to buy goalscorers now,” the Sky Sports pundit and former Hammers striker said.
“People say he’s 34, but with the modern game, I think it’s easier to play at a latter age.
“I retired at 35, but I think you can now play at the age of 36, 37 in the Premier League and Jermain has done it this year, scored a lot of goals and led the line on his own with not a lot of support.
“Bournemouth will be in for him and many other clubs, but I think his preferred option would be West Ham.”
Defoe has been one of the stand out performers in what has been a miserable season for Sunderland.
The Black Cats are destined to finish at the bottom of the Premier League table, but Defoe has still scored 15 times.
West Ham are known to be on the look out for a forward, as their current options have all had disappointing campaigns.
The likes of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho have struggled to stay fit, while Jonathan Calleri has not scored with any regularity.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
