Reportedly wanted by West Ham, PL goal machine virtually makes up mind about summer transfer

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Published on:

26 Apr 2017, 11:01 am

By Alex Stevens

Premier League side Bournemouth are set to win the race to sign goal machine Jermain Defoe, according to reports.

Bleacher Report claim that Defoe is preparing for a second spell at the Cherries after making up his mind to quit Sunderland in the summer.

It is said that the veteran striker, 34, has given encouragement to Bournemouth that he is open to re-joining the club where he spent a season on loan in 2000-01.

That promises to be a blow to another of his former clubs, West Ham, who have also been strongly linked with a swoop at the end of the season.

The Sun claimed last month that the Hammers are prepared to Defe in the summer after failing with their attempts to sign him in January.

The 56-time capped England international has been in fine form for relegation strugglers Sunderland this season, scoring 14 league goals from 32 appearances.

Football Insider verdict:

Defoe might come with a high transfer value for a 34-year-old, as well as mega salary demands, but he is worth it for a mid-ranking club for whom top-flight status is their base ambition. The veteran striker offers the priceless asset of guaranteed goals. There have been 14 of them in the Premier League this season for the worst team in the division, proof that Defoe has neither lost his edge or his hunger to keep on finding the back of the net.

In other West Ham transfer news, Slaven Bilic has responded when asked if the club could sign John Terry.

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West Ham United

Bournemouth

Jermain Defoe