Bournemouth want Jermain Defoe at all costs

Bournemouth are prepared to lure Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe in the summer with the opportunity of offering him a regular run in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old recently earned a recall to the England squad after a three-year break, and he is prepared to hold onto his place by keeping up his showing in the top flight.

According to The Sun, the Cherries are willing to tempt Defoe back to the South Coast, where he netted 19 goals during a loan spell in the 2000-01 season.

Defoe could be available on a Bosman, should Sunderland get relegated from the top division, and the Cherries are prepared to battle with former club West Ham United, who are also keen on the veteran hitman.

The striker has netted 14 goals in the Premier League this season - more than half of Sunderland's tally, and he remains crucial to their slim hopes of beating the drop.

Sunderland are currently rock-bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety with an additional game to play.