Defoe joins Sunderland until end of season

Jermain Defoe has returned to Sunderland on a deal until the end of the season.

Oxford United were also interested in Defoe following his departure from Rangers, but the 39-year-old has decided to return to the club where he spent two-and-a-half seasons between 2015 and 2017.

During his time at the Stadium of Light, the former England international scored 37 goals from 93 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats.

"I can't stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons," Defoe told the club's official website.

"I've had so many messages saying, 'remember when you said you would come back', as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave.

"I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I'm looking forward to it."

Defoe joins a Sunderland side without a manager after the club sacked Lee Johnson in the wake of the 6-0 defeat by Bolton on Saturday.

The Black Cats are third in Sky Bet League One and just two points behind leaders Rotherham, but owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus acted quickly following the result.

Sunderland's next game is at home to Doncaster on Saturday.

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