West Ham are convinced Defoe wants to join
David Moyes last week insisted Defoe remains “priceless” to the Black Cats and maintained the marksman would not be sold but pressure will mount if the 34 year old puts in a transfer request like he did with the Hammers over twelve years ago.
Defoe was born in Beckon, Newham, a short distance from both the Boleyn Ground and London Stadium and still has friends and family in the area. He spent 15 years playing in London with five years at West Ham plus ten years during two spells with Spurs.
Ironically in May 2003 Defoe handed in a written transfer request to West Ham, a day after they were relegated. At the time he said: “This is very much a career decision. I am very ambitious and hungry to achieve at the highest levels of the game for both club and country. The club staff and especially the fans are very dear to me and have been unbelievable in the early part of my career. It will always be a special place for me to play.”
At the time West Ham’s response was: “I can confirm we are not accepting Jermain Defoe’s request,” said the then managing director Paul Aldridge on the West Ham website.
“It is unfortunate that he has received advice to put in a request at this time.”