After shooting down reports of Juventus left back Patrice Evra joining the Hammers in his pre-match press conference for the Leicester City game today, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was more circumspect when it came to the subject of Jermain Defoe.
The Hammers academy graduate has been rumoured to be on West Ham’s shortlist of January transfer window targets, and rather than pouring cold water on the speculation, Bilic responded by talking up the 34 year old’s abilities.
“He’s a very good player, with the way he’s scoring goals for Sunderland. He’s always been spot on, top. I have a few midfielders who tell me he’s the best from the strikers they’ve played with. But he’s a Sunderland player. We want players who have experience of the Premier League. We’re not going to panic but we’ll try to get a couple of players in.”
Sunderland manager David Moyes has already told potential suitors that the forward is not for sale, but with owner Ellis Short looking to sell the Black Cats, and with Moyes short on funds to strengthen his squad in January, there is a possibility of a move happening if the Hammers have the finances in place.
Defoe has scored eight in 18 appearances despite playing in a struggling side this season, and has the Premier League experience that Bilic says he is looking for.
