West Ham eye Defoe return

The Independent understands that West Ham United are keen on re-signing Jermaine Defoe when the transfer window re-opens.

The thirty-four year old’s goals were key in keeping Sunderland in the Premier League last season and the club where he began his professional career are on the lookout for a new forward.

During the summer, Slaven Bilic failed in attempts to sign a number of strikers, eventually bringing in Andre Ayew who has struggled with injury in the first half of the campaign.

Defoe made his Hammers’ debut in 2000, scoring the only goal in a League Cup victory over Walsall before being sent out on loan to Bournemouth where he excelled scoring nineteen goals in thirty-one outings – a haul which included a goal in each of his first ten appearances for the club.

The former England international has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and MLS side Toronto FC.