West Ham United are reportedly ready to welcome back England striker Jermain Defoe to Upton Park.
The Premier League outfit, who sit fourth in the table after defeating Crystal Palace 3-1 at the weekend, are keeping tabs on the Sunderland forward’s situation ahead of the January transfer window.
The 33-year-old, who has earned 55 international caps, scored 29 goals for the Hammers between 1999 and 2004 after breaking through the club’s youth academy.
Despite having scored an impressive five goals in eight appearances in all competitions for the struggling Black Cats so far this term, Defoe is thought to be unhappy at being benched at the Stadium of Light, a fate which is looking unlikely to change under new manager Sam Allardyce.