Update emerges in Sunderland’s transfer pursuit for Jermaine Defoe

The Black Cats sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday evening, and have now reportedly decided to push for the re-signing of Defoe to the club.

According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland are increasingly confident of winning out the signing of in-demand Defoe.

The 39-year old former England international has been linked with numerous League One clubs throughout the duration of the January transfer window.

However, it is Sunderland who seem to be his likeliest destination now. 

Defoe enjoyed a stint with the Black Cats during their time in the Premier League, from 2015 to 2017.

Since then he has gone on to play for AFC Bournemouth and, most recently, Scottish champions Rangers. 

Defoe departed the Glasgow club earlier this month and is now a free agent. 

With Johnson now out of the picture, the club’s hierarchy have acted decisively in favour of trying to bring Defoe back to the club. 

Sunderland are currently third in the League One table, only two points off league leaders Rotherham. 

However, Rotherham and second place Wigan Athletic have multiple games in hand on the manager-less club. 

Johnson was dismissed following Saturday’s humiliating 6-0 loss away to Bolton Wanderers.

Next up for Sunderland is the visit of Doncaster Rovers to the Stadium of Light on February 5. 

Even at 39-years old, Defoe could still offer Sunderland plenty given his bags of experience, his knowledge of the club and his recent form. 

He most recently won the league in Scotland under Steven Gerrard at Rangers. While his game time dwindled in the last few years, he played a vital role as a dressing room leader. 

He can offer Sunderland that same role, while still chipping in with the odd goal here and there.

That could be crucial as the club looks