Sunderland fans are excited about the prospect of Jermain Defoe re-joining the club after Lee Johnson revealed that he is keen to bring the player back to Wearside.
The 39-year-old has been linked with a move to the Black Cats after leaving Rangers earlier this month, with Oxford United, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town also keen on the forward.
It has been reported that Defoe is currently in talks with fellow League One promotion chasers Oxford as they try to fight off stiff competition for his signature.
READ MORE: Lee Johnson insists Sunderland are 'working very hard' to sign Jermain Defoe
However, Sunderland are still in the race and Johnson confirmed that the club are 'working very hard' to agree a deal with Defoe, adding that 'we have had good conversations'.
During his first spell at the Black Cats, the experienced striker scored 37 goals in 93 appearances, including double-figures in back-to-back Premier League seasons before he left to join Bournemouth in 2017.
Defoe formed a close relationship with the Sunderland faithful in his time at the Stadium of Light and the vast majority would like to see him return heading into the second half of the campaign.
Here is what some had to say on social media.
@safcleaks : If LJ comes out and says how desperate he is to sign Defoe, then his agent can charge whatever he wants. The club are trying to get the best deal possible and this is part of their strategy. Stay patient #safc fans, it’s going to happen.
@ColArmy86 : The best option we could have over the next 6 months that is.
@Ianc1106 : Here’s my guess. Defoe wants some guarantee on game time which is tricky to give….
@connorsafc_ : Lovely lovely lovely
@ThisIsJakeJ : Say it quietly, but does anyone have this tiny feeling in the pit of their stomach that Defoe might just be a Sunderland player again very soon?
@JoeDB : EVERYBODY CALM DOWN
@VirusFree : We are going to need him for the run in can't afford to drop too many more points.
@OxfordExile : Sign him to help us get promoted then give him a non playing role. He would be a great asset
@latest_safc : Good News!!!
Defoe lasted just 18 months at Bournemouth, before deciding to move to Steven Gerrard's Rangers, where he hit the ground running, scoring eight goals in his opening 20 matches.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man went onto help The Gers to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years, pipping Celtic to the trophy, netting seven times in the process.
After departing the Glasgow club on January 11, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding Defoe's future and a move to Sunderland could still be on the cards.
