Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy believes Newcastle should consider making a move for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe in the summer.
The 35 year old returned to the England team to score against Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier last month, and Murphy is quoted by the Chronicle as saying the forward will leave the Stadium of Light in the summer to keep his dream of playing for his country alive:
“If they go down, Jermain Defoe will leave. He would suit a club like Watford very well — but with all respect to Watford, he has probably set his sights higher. Although Defoe (below) will be 35 in October, he is still in great nick, he is firing in the goals — 14 this season — and has just got back in the England squad. This would be very controversial but you could see Newcastle looking at him if they won promotion.”
The Chronicle have confirmed in recent weeks that manager Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his forward line in the summer, although Defoe is currently not in the manager’s thoughts.
The Black Cats striker will be available on a free transfer if Sunderland are relegated, but currently the Magpies have set their sights on two other English centre forwards.
Burnley striker Andre Gray and Bournemouth forward Callum Wilson are believed to be the top two transfer priorities in the summer if Newcastle do secure promotion to the Premier League.
