Crystal Palace join Bournemouth and West Ham in race for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe
Eagles boss Sam Allardyce keen for reunion with England striker
SAM ALLARDYCE is in the running to snap up England striker Jermain Defoe.
Crystal Palace have joined the list of suitors for the poacher, who is a free agent this summer after Sunderland’s relegation.
Premier League rivals West Ham and Bournemouth are reported to have tabled contract offers for the 34-year-old.
However, the Eagles hope that Allardyce’s relationship with the former Tottenham striker will prove decisive in the bidding war.
Defoe, who earned an England recall in March, scored 18 goals under Allardyce last season to keep the Black Cats up.
Despite netting a further 15 goals this season, he was unable to prevent the Wearsiders from falling into the Championship.
Most Read in Football
The striker is currently also negotiating with Bournemouth over a £115,000-a-week contract, and is reportedly also demanding a £6million signing-on fee, which Palace are willing to match.
The Hammers, are reluctant to offer over £100,000-a-week.
However, Defoe scored 41 goals for the Hammers between 1999 and 2004, and may be keen on re-joining his boyhood club.
Allardyce tried to sign the striker in January shortly after replacing Alan Pardew at Selhurst Park.
At the time Sunderland refused to sell their star player to a relegation rival, but will now lose him on a free transfer.
Last night, Defoe was on hand to help terminally ill Bradley Lowery pick up a Child of Courage award.
Defoe has gained praise for his support of the youngster over the past year.