Bournemouth close in on Defoe deal

Jermain Defoe seems certain to join AFC Bournemouth in the close season.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Cherries boss Eddie Howe is close to taking the Sunderland striker and Chelsea defender John Terry to Dean Court on free transfers.

The goals of Defoe had helped keep Sunderland in the top-flight over the previous two seasons, but he was unable to repeat those achievements this term, with David Moyes’ side relegated at the weekend.

Despite that disappointment, Defoe has worked his way back into the England squad and will have his eye on an unlikely place at next summer’s World Cup Finals in Russia.

Helping Sunderland back into the Premier League would be one option, but the 46-match Championship programme is unforgiving, whereas at Bournemouth, the 34-year-old may only be required to play in 30 matches.

West Ham and Crystal Palace are also expected to put in bids for the striker, but it seems that Bournemouth is Defoe’s most likely destination.