Relegated Sunderland boss has made his feelings over the release clause in Jermain Defoe's contract, which allows the England international to become a free agent upon their consignment to the Championship, very clear as the Black Cats hand the initiative to any potential suitors.

What's the word?

Black Cats striker Defoe was quoted this week confirming that, after his side's relegation to the Championship was confirmed, he will be a free agent this summer, thanks to a clause in his contract.

The 34-year-old, who was heralded for keeping the club in the top flight almost single handedly last season, has bagged an impressive 15 goals so far this season, although it was not enough to stave off the drop for another year.

Manager Moyes was clearly frustrated with the situation, claiming he would not have let such a clause in the deal if he were in charge when Defoe was signed, but admitted that given his return to the Three Lions setup this term, the striker would need to be in the Premier League next term.

"He [Defoe] has got himself back in the England team, and will want to push to get into the World Cup squad,

"I would imagine he will be thinking that would be hard to do as a Championship player."

With the former Portsmouth man now up for grabs, it would seem wise for another former club in West Ham to move back in for the man they have been so heavily linked with since January.

A deal which works for all?

One major gripe for fans at the London Stadium this season has been the lack of goals, or  a prominent striker they can trust to put away chances.

The board promised a big money signing all last summer and did not deliver. With Defoe's Premier League quality well proven, and the fact that the Hammers would reportedly be willing to offer £100k-a-week in wages, it seems like this could be a deal which makes everyone, apart from Moyes and fans at the Stadium of Light, happy.

With the east London side in need of goals, the homecoming of a former academy graduate for nothing but his wage fee would surely tick all the boxes for the fans in claret and blue.

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