Sunderland have made an audacious £9million bid for
Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe. The move is likely to
spark a bidding war among Premiership clubs for the former West Ham
star. Defoe struggled to hold down a place in Martin Jol's side
last season and the £16.5m arrival of Darren Bent from Charlton has
put his position at the club in further doubt.
Portsmouth, Aston Villa and West Ham are also interested in the
player and all three have funds available to trump Sunderland's
offer. Defoe, who has two years left on his Spurs contract, is not
likely to be tempted by a move to Wearside, which would involve
moving 300 miles from his London roots.
The 24-year-old has previously indicated his determination to stay
at White Hart Lane and fight for his place although his club are
willing to listen to offers. Defoe's place in Steve McClaren's
England squad may also be under threat if he is not playing
regularly in the first team.
Spurs have an embarrassment of riches in attack with Bent and Defoe
joined by Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane on the squad list for
next season. Egypt striker Mido is also still a Spurs player
although he is almost certain to be sold this summer.
Sunderland's offer for Defoe shows the scale of the ambition at the
Premiership newcomers. Manager Roy Keane has promised to bring in
high-quality players.
