Jermain Defoe will be able to leave Sunderland for nothing in the summer if David Moyes’ side are relegated to the Championship this season, reports The Daily Mail.
The 34-year-old was heavily linked with a return to West Ham during the January transfer window and the Hammers will have one eye on his future with relegation expected for the Black Cats.
Defoe has been in sparkling form this season and has even hinted he will leave Sunderland if they drop down to the Championship in order to keep his hopes of turning out for England at the 2018 World Cup alive.
The veteran striker earned his first England call-up in nearly four years during the international break and even scored during their 2-0 win over Lithuania before Southgate hinted Defoe could even make his squad for Russia next summer.
Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League and seven points adrift of safety and to make matters worse their best player will be free to leave on a free transfer. Defoe has scored 10+ goals in each of his last three to-flight campaigns in the Premier League.
For more stats on Jermain Defoe, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
