Sam Allardyce drops huge hint that Bournemouth target Jermain Defoe will not be sold

Jermain Defoe has been a transfer target for Bournemouth

SAM ALLARDYCE has dropped a heavy hint that Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe won’t be sold in the New Year.

Relegation rivals Bournemouth would love to take the 33-year-old to the south coast.

And in recent weeks Big Sam refused to rule out sacrificing big earner Defoe to boost his transfer kitty.

But the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal last week when the Black Cats missed a host of chances has given him food for thought.

While fellow striker Steven Fletcher is a doubt for today’s game against Watford at the Stadium of Light and Fabio Borini’s lack of goals put his place in jeopardy, fit-again Defoe will start.

 

And Allardyce believes his predatory instincts are crucial to Sunderland’s survival prospects.

“Jermain pulling his hamstring was a blow to us but now he’s back in the fold,” he said.

“Getting him on the pitch and producing is what we need now and hopefully there are more and more goals in him.

“I’d expect him to be out top scorer this season. On the basis of history. His career path has proved that at other clubs.”

 

Borini has yet to open his Black Cats account following his £8m move from Liverpool having scored ten during his loan spell on Wearside two years ago.

And Allardyce has told him his barren run must end for him to play regularly.

“He needs to start scoring,” said the Sunderland boss. “As a manager, you will always look at the games played and goals scored when you’re one of the front three positions.

“The one thing that would help you overcome that is the amount of assists for somebody else to score.

 

Sam Allardyce has told Fabio Borini to end his barren run in order to play more regularly

“At Bolton I didn’t need Kevin Davies to score that many because of the service he provided to others.

“But Fabio’s a fit lad who trains exceptionally so hopefully he can hit the goal trail soon.”

Meanwhile, Allardyce revealed Lee Cattermole’s back injury will require careful management if the midfielder is to avoid surgery.

“He doesn’t want to come back until he’s 100 per cent comfortable,” he added. “We don’t want it to escalate into an operation because that could be weeks or even months out.”