Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe would not speculate on a move to former club West Ham when asked about the transfer rumour by Sky Sports.
The 34 year old has been linked to the Hammers over the past few weeks, and manager Slaven Bilic failed to dampen speculation when he praised the former England international at his pre-match press conference yesterday. Defoe says he will just keep his head down:
“There’s going to be speculation because, let’s be honest, the people that score goals are wanted. Over the years, anyone that has scored goals has been talked about in terms of moving to different clubs.”
“I think it’s just part and parcel. The players don’t really get involved; you just get your head down and you play football. It’s a good feeling to be wanted but when you’re playing well and scoring goals then you must be enjoying being at the place you’re at.”
Defoe has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for the struggling Black Cats this season. With the Hammers looking to offload Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza in the January transfer window, and being without Diafra Sakho due to injury, West Ham boss Bilic is light on attacking options.
The Croatian said he was looking for a cheap, young goalscorer with Premier League experience next month when the window opens. Although the veteran Defoe wouldn’t qualify in all four categories, he is no doubt somebody the manager will be considering.
