Report: Sunderland Has Offer for Defoe Rejected By Bournemouth
Sunderland have seen an approach for Bournemouth's Jermain Defoe knocked back, with the striker appearing likely to head to a fellow Premier League club.
Defoe remains a popular figure amongst Sunderland fans after spending three years on Wearside before the club's relegation to the Championship in 2017.
Reports suggested that the Black Cats made an optimistic enquiry about potentially bringing Defoe back to the Stadium of Light, but TeamTalk have claimed that this was turned down, with Premier League side Crystal Palace the current favourites for the 36-year-old's signature.
Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has previously admitted the club were interested in reuniting with the former Tottenham striker last summer.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle at the time, Donald revealed: "I asked in the summer if we could and the answer came we couldn't.
"We might ask again but it was a pretty strong no. It was a cheeky request though!"
With Callum Wilson establishing himself as Eddie Howe's first-choice striker at the Vitality Stadium, Defoe has found opportunities hard to come by this campaign.
The former England international has also been linked with Championship sides Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Wigan in the past few weeks, with a transfer away from Bournemouth becoming more and more likely.
In his three seasons with Sunderland, Defoe struck 34 Premier League goals in 87 appearances, with his contributions in the 2015/2016 campaign effectively keeping the Mackems up single-handedly.
