Aston Villa make Defoe move

Aston Villa have emerged as candidates to sign Jermain Defoe.

According to a report in the Birmingham Mail the Sunderland striker could be on his way to Villa Park on a free transfer.

Despite playing for a side that has been battling relegation all season Defoe has done enough to force his way back into the England side.

A clause in his contract gives him a free transfer if Sunderland get relegated with that inevitability confirmed at the weekend. Sunderland had stayed up over the previous two seasons largely on the back of goals from Defoe.

Steve Bruce made a number of signings during the January transfer window but is still looking for a tried and tested striker.

Defoe fits the bill perfectly but Bruce faces a battle to convince him to take a step down when there are expected to be offers on the table from West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.