West Ham keen on signing Sunderland striker

West Ham United will reportedly look to re-sign striker Jermain Defoe on a free transfer at the end of the current season.

The England international has been in fine form for Sunderland over the course of the campaign, but this has not been sufficient to keep them in the top division.

According to The Mirror, the Hammers are eager to bring in an experienced goalscorer to their ranks this summer and this has brought Defoe onto their radar.

Defoe had spent five years with the Hammers between 1999 and 2004 before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur. He had therein featured for the likes of Portsmouth and MLS club Toronto with an extended stint with Spurs in the middle after which he joined the Black Cats.

The 34-year-old will be available on a Bosman this summer owing to a relegation release clause in his contract, and the Hammers will seek to acquire his services ahead of rivals Bournemouth.

Defoe, who recently earned a recall to the Three Lions squad, has amassed 15 goals for Sunderland this term - all of which have come in the Premier League.