Sunderland close in on Defoe signing

 

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Gus Poyet's Premier League strugglers are on the verge of completing a deal for the Toronto FC striker, while Jozy Altidore could head in the opposite direction

Sunderland are on the verge of completing a deal for Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe.

Gus Poyet's side opened talks with the Major League Soccer club last week over a deal for the England international, who has previously made it known that he would be prepared to leave the Canadian club.

Defoe, who scored 11 goals in 19 appearances during his first season in MLS, has been training with Tottenham's development squad in recent weeks as he attempts to maintain his fitness while his future is resolved.

The likes of QPR, Hull City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City have all shown an interest in signing the 32-year-old but it is Sunderland who are closing in on a permanent deal for the former England forward.

The Black Cats have agreed personal terms with Defoe, who will sign a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

A source close to the talks told Goal: "The deal is very close and everyone at the club is buzzing with the prospect."

As part of the deal, Toronto have agreed to take out-of-favour USA striker Jozy Altidore back to MLS, with Greg Vanney's side willing to match the former Villarreal striker's wage demands.

Should there be a breakdown in talks over Altidore, however, it would not affect the completion of the Defoe deal, although Sunderland would be expected to up their cash offer for the striker.