Ex-England player Jermain Defoe has been linked with joining a League One club from Rangers in a summer deal according to reports.
There are claims that various teams in the third tier of English football have their eye on his, however one club has already been priced out.
Ipswich Town were said to be plotting an ambitious bid for the 38-year-old now that his contract at Rangers has expired.
The EADT and Ipswich Star understands that the former West Ham, Tottenham and Sunderland ace is a player who has been discussed by the Ipswich hierarchy as the club’s new US-based owners look to generate excitement ahead of a third successive campaign at their current level.
However, very quickly it would seem that the deal is not viable with Defoe understood to have been on £35k-a-week at Ibrox and, though the Tractorboys now have financial clout, they will be restricted to spending 60% of income on wages next season under the Salary Cost Management Protocol rules.
Defoe, who turns 39 in October, has scored more than 300 goals in a career which has lasted over 20 years.
The 57-cap England player scored seven times in five starts and 15 substitute appearances for Rangers in the season just gone, helping Steven Gerrard’s men to the title – the club’s first in a decade.
Speaking over a week ago, he said: “It’s unbelievable, I’m so happy for everyone involved. Especially the fans, because they’re the best fans in the world. It’s an unbelievable football club.
“I want to stay here forever. I love it here. Everyone knows it’s special.
“When I spoke to the manager when I was coming here, the first thing he said is ‘you will love it here.’
“I’ve loved every minute, it’s been fantastic. I’m lost for words, it’s amazing.”
Defoe, who was still playing Premier League football for Bournemouth as recently as November 2018, revealed last year that he was starting his coaching badges in preparation for when he finally decides to hang up his boots.
He told Football Fancast: “I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment because, at the back end of your career, you’ll always think about what you want to do next, whether it’s becoming a coach or a manager.
“I’m just going to do my badges and then see what happens.
“At the end of the day, if you love football and you’ve got an opportunity to stay in the game and give something back then why not?”
DEFOE’S CAREER:
Youth career
Senrab
1997–1999 – Charlton Athletic
1999 – West Ham United
Senior career
1999–2004 – West Ham United – 93 games (29 goals)
2000–2001 → AFC Bournemouth (loan) – 29 (18 goals)
2004–2008 – Tottenham Hotspur – 139 games (43 goals)
2008 → Portsmouth (loan) – 1 game (1 goal)
2008–2009 – Portsmouth – 30 games (14 goals)
2009–2014 – Tottenham Hotspur – 135 games (47 goals)
2014 – Toronto FC – 19 games (11 goals)
2014 → Tottenham Hotspur (loan) – 2 games (1 goal)
2015–2017 – Sunderland – 87 games (34 goals)
2017–2020 – AFC Bournemouth – 28 games (4 goals)
2019–2020 → Rangers (loan) – 37 games (21 goals)
2020– Rangers – 15 games (4 goals)
National team
England U16 – 8 games (0 goals)
2000–2001 – England U18 – 7 games (0 goals)
2001–2003 – England U21 – 23 games (7 goals)
2004–2017 – England – 57 games (20 goals)
Fans reacted at Jermain Defoe being linked with joining a League One club, see what Twitter users had to say…
@Bish_180: The fact that we tried for Jermain Defoe should give us all confidence in the owners and mainly next season, if we’re trying to get players of that calibre then the title is ours! Can’t see anyone in league one competing with us #ITFC
@nickallen92: Love that we are looking at signings of that level
@J_L_4: I can’t quite believe the hierarchy are looking at players over the age of 31/32. All the talk was of gradual, sustainable rebuilding. A crop 30 year olds does not represent a new direction.
@paul_186: Top player but will come with a hefty wage
@HeavensNight_JT: He’s 38, why on earth are we looking at a 38 year old. #itfc
@ArtworkDays: Because he can bang in the goals to get us promoted
@TrickyDickie10: Assuming Norwood is the no.1 CF next season, signing an experienced back up makes total sense. Someone proven who can step in when Norwoods injured, handle the situation and perform would be very valuable. We’ll probably end up with Grigg but the logic is sound.
@Mikedecorater: Nothing against Jermaine Defoe , but seriously?? 😱
@jpgirling: Far too good for that low a league
@lindaandjon: Hey! Cut out the ageism here!! I’m 59 and could do a job for Town… Probably cleaning the stands but hey ho…
@campoitfc: Too old, not the player we need
@stuth67: Rather we looked at players under 30, Defoe would score goals but you could only give him a 1 year contract.
@twobangers: Mad that and pointless
@Gavla69: Why are people concerned by his age? If he did come, he’d likely destroy league 1 and get us back in to the championship. That’s the first job and it’s gonna be a lot harder than most people expect.
@PaulPdep: Seriously? The guys 39!
@DarrinKing15: Why would we want him 🤬🤬
@3FootHighClark: Why oh why would we think this is a good idea for the progression of the club on the first place???
@Cogniti40241567: Definitely worth a punt for one year
@TheSegITFC: It may not have been long-term of we did have the funds but would take this all day long. May not have the legs like he used to, but he knows where the goal is – he’d easily score 20+ in this dogshite league. #itfc
@mark__heath: Now that’s ambitious #itfc
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