Sunderland boss David Moyes has ruled out any potential January move for his star striker Jermain Defoe.
The 34-year-old was one of the top transfer targets for West Ham this month. The Black Cats have already rejected the Hammers’ supposed bid of £6M for the striker earlier this week.
There were reports from Standard that the Hammers are prepared to more than double their offer, but Moyes has made it very clear that Defoe will be staying at Stadium of Light for the rest of the season.
“West Ham made a bid, and we rejected it,” the former Manchester United manager said, “He signed a new contract in the summer. He is here.”
Taking into consideration the fact that the England striker has been one of the few reasons for Sunderland not drowning at the bottom of the league table – an incredible 11 goals in the league this season winning much-needed points – the club’s decision is a no-brainer.
West Ham have a few alternatives, with Brentford’s Scott Hogan and Celtic’s Moussa Dembele also reportedly being subjects of bids in an attempt to bolster a floundering attack.
The latter is expected to cost the East London club more than £20M.
