Jermaine Defoe reacts to West Ham speculation

Experienced striker Jermaine Defoe is focused on helping Sunderland avoid the dreaded drop this season. The England international was the subject of multiple offers from West Ham United last month before the Black Cats ruled out his sale.

The 34-year-old has netted 14 of his side's 24 league goals this term, and he remains crucial to their chances of avoiding relegation at the end of the campaign.

In an interview with TalkSPORT, the former Spurs star insisted that he is in the right frame of mind despite receiving an approach from the Hammers during the previous transfer window.

"I'm totally focused on scoring goals [for Sunderland]," Defoe told talkSPORT. "I'm totally focused on helping this football club stay in the Premier League."

He added that he appreciates the interest from one of his former clubs, but his job, for now, remains on preserving Sunderland's top-flight status for another season.