Sunderland’s Jermaine Defoe won’t be joining Newcastle United this summer it seems, with the striker in talks with Bournemouth & expected to complete the move this week according to Sky Sports.
It was reported earlier this year that Defoe would be allowed to leave Sunderland on a free transfer should they be relegated, with several NUFC fans (me included) urging Rafa Benitez to make a move for the prolific 34-year-old this summer.
With Sunderland relegated, Defoe has since been linked with a move to Tyneside, as well as former club West Ham, but it seems Bournemouth have won the race for his signature.
BREAKING: I understand Bournemouth have today opened talks with Jermain Defoe & Sunderland about a free transfer of the striker.
— Keith Downie ? (@SkySports_Keith) May 22, 2017
We expect Jermain Defoe's free transfer to Bournemouth to be completed this week. The Cherries contacted Sunderland this morning.
— Keith Downie ? (@SkySports_Keith) May 22, 2017
Defoe has bagged an outstanding 15 goals in each of the last two dismal Premier League campaigns for Sunderland, and will be a shrewd signing for Bournemouth.
Whilst I, like many Newcastle fans, would’ve loved to have such a proven Premier League goalscorer in our ranks next season, I never held much hope it would actually happen.
He turns 35 this year, was always likely to favour a move back down south and his relationship with Bradley Lowery would’ve more than likely seen him dismiss any potential move to the Magpies anyway.