Defoe hints at West Ham return

Jermaine Defoe has sparked rumours of a return to West Ham United after admitting that he loves the club, the Mirror understands.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker has been used sparingly this season, making just one Premier League start after manager Andre Villas-Boas brought in a plethora of attacking players during the summer.

The 31 year old has been linked with a move to the MLS in recent weeks, with former Spurs’ teammate Ryan Nelson admitting his interest in taking him to Toronto FC, the side he now manages.

However, with just eight weeks until the transfer window reopens, Defoe has said that leaving the Hammers for Tottenham in 2004 was a mistake, and that he still loves the East London club.

Sam Allardyce is almost certain to be on the lookout for a new forward in January with record signing Andy Carroll still some way off a first team return.