TheSportsCampus

Tottenham Hotspur's striker crisis could worsen even further in the coming week, with Sunderland reportedly lining up a bid for Jermain Defoe according to the Daily Star.

The 29-year old England international is the only recognised senior striker in Spurs' squad at the moment, this after Louis Saha and Emmanuel Adebayor left the club after short-term deals and Roman Pavlyuchenko was signed by Lokomotiv Moscow earlier in the year.

However, Defoe is on the radar of Black Cats' manager Martin O'Neill, who has always been an admirer of the former West Ham and Portsmouth player, and is ready to make an offer to bring the striker to the Stadium of Light, either on a permanent deal or on loan.

Defoe himself is said to be keen on a move away from White Hart Lane, with the knowledge that his chances of first-team football would be heavily hampered if Spurs' manager Andre Villas-Boas finally was able to seal a couple of signings upfront.

However, Spurs are unlikely to entertain a possible move for Defoe unless they add some personnel themselves, as the veteran striker's exit would leave them completely out of options upfront for the start of the season.

Sunderland were also keen on Wolves centre-forward Steven Fletcher, but have decided to look elsewhere after being informed of the 25-year old's incredible £20 million price tag, with a £12 million offer having been rebuffed. Defoe given his age is likely to be a cheaper alternative, and given his pedigree should give the Black Cats in excess of 15 goals a season should he get a regular starting berth.