Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is eyeing up a move for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, reports the Daily Mirror.
Allardyce was confirmed as new Eagles boss on Friday on the back of Alan Pardew’s sacking, with the club just one point above the relegation zone.
And the former England manager has earmarked Defoe as his first signing when the transfer window re-opens next week.
The pair worked together during Allardyce’s stint as Sunderland boss and the 62-year-old believes he is the striker required to help fire Palace back up the table.
Sunderland manager David Moyes, though, is reluctant to cash in Defoe, who has eight goals and two assists to his name this season, with the former return one of the best in the Premier League.
At 34 years of age, Defoe is in the twilight of his career, but is still a vital player for the Black Cats, with Allardyce willing to test the club’s resolve to retain his services with a £6m bid.
For more stats on Jermain Defoe, click here to view his WhoScored player page
