Sam Allardyce and Crystal Palace are stuck in a three-way tussle to secure the services of Jermain Defoe this summer.
West Ham and Bournemouth are both said to be interested in the England international striker but Allardyce is hoping he and Palace get the nod from the veteran forward.
The Mirror believe that the Eagles are hoping that because of the close relationship Defoe and Allardyce have as a result of their time together at Sunderland, he’ll opt to move to the south London club.
Defoe spearheaded the Black Cats attack as Allardyce masterminded another great escape last season before leaving the club for the England job.
Following Sunderland’s relegation this season, Defoe is able to leave the club on a free transfer due to a clause in his contract.
The Hammers want to re-sign Defoe more than a decade after he left to join rivals Spurs, while Bournemouth, who took Defoe on loan during his time on West Ham’s books are also keen.
Bournemouth are offering wages in the region of £115k-a-week, while the Hammers are not prepared to go over the £100k-a-week mark. Defoe himself is also looking for a £6m signing on fee.
Christian Benteke was a great signing for the Eagles last summer but he needs some support in attack and Defoe is the ideal complement.
