Sunderland star Defoe to confirm future next month

Despite admitting that his departure is imminent, Jermain Defoe is keeping Sunderland fans on edge – saying he will not officially announce his transfer to Bournemouth until next month.

The veteran striker has enjoyed a fruitful stint on Wearside, scoring 37 goals in 93 appearances, but the club’s relegation from the Premier League has made his exit inevitable.

A clause in his contract allows him to leave for free in the event of relegation, and former club Bournemouth have long been linked with his signature.

(Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

Defoe, who is currently on England duty, has already had a medical with Eddie Howe’s side – but insists he will not deliver the bad news properly until next month, as he allows Sunderland’s relegation to sink in.

“It’s out there, a lot of people obviously knew, I did a medical and said when this is finished and I’ve had a break, come July everyone will know anyway,” he said.

“Two and a bit years at Sunderland, I enjoyed my time there, it’s not nice when you get relegated, I don’t think it’s fair on the Sunderland fans to come out so soon after they’ve been relegated and say ‘yeah, I’m signing for someone else’.”