JERMAIN DEFOE is 'seriously considering' an emotional return to Sunderland, according to reports.
The ex-England striker, 39, saw his contract at the Scottish Premiership champions terminated last week.
Now Defoe is entertaining a host of offers – including one from former club, Sunderland.
Despite offers from two Championship teams, Defoe is leaning towards the League One side, say inews.
The ex-Tottenham striker helped Steven Gerrard's Rangers finally end their Scottish Premiership drought last season.
But Defoe has played just twice this season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
And while Defoe has been working increasingly more often in a coaching capacity, the 57-cap former Three Lions international believes he still has more to offer on the pitch.
Despite his age, Defoe has revealed he would like to ‘play in front of fans and be part of a successful side’ again before he retires from playing.
Most read in Football
Gunners news 
Arthur Melo £40m loan-to-buy, Osimhen £60m Aubameyang replacement
Cristiano Ronaldo 'asks for Real Madrid return', Palhinha targeted
Life with Ronaldo is just like any other family’s, says Georgina Rodriguez
Utd PAUSE new boss search – with chiefs impressed how Rangnick has steadied ship
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
And League One promotion chasers Sunderland are hoping they can overcome ‘a million and one things’ and get him to return to the Stadium of Light, according to boss Lee Johnson.
Last week, Johnson said: “We’re fully aware of Jermain’s situation, as everybody is.
“We’re fully aware of his character traits, and the professional standards he’s adhered to over the course of his career at an elite and top level.
“As in any particular transfer scenario, there’s a million and one things that would have to happen for that to be beneficial for all parties.
“That would be the key with any out-of-contract player, and in particular with Jermain.
“It’s as simple as that really. There’s not really much more detail I can go into because it’s an open-market player that would be in consideration for the pros and cons, as would any other open-market player.
“Obviously, the rapport with the area always comes into account, and that respect for an individual, not only as a great human being, but that he’s also had a great career, will also always come into it.”
Defoe is loved on Wearside after scoring 37 goals in 93 appearances during his two-and-a-half years at the Stadium of Light following his switch from Toronto in 2015.
His heartwarming friendship with tragic young fan Bradley Lowery also helped himself become a local hero.
⚽ Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Source: Read Full Article
