There technically is I believe - the "tapping up" rule although I haven't seen it enforced a great deal. They're not that much better off than we are league table wise - relatively they're far worse off after pusing for a european spot last season! Although I would swap places with them in a heartbeat (but they still can;t have Defoe!!)
I think the lad will stay simply because he has the Sunderland "bug"........lol.......loves the club, fans and area which is unique for a London lad. Maybe he will do a Kaboul and head South....I doubt it though. Probably thinks if we go down he can end up at West Ham next season in anycase. We all know that every player has his price.....it would be interesting to know what Bain values him at if you include possible relegation costs if we sell him. Hope it's more than we let Kaboul go for...
It's all about what Defoe himself wants. If he wants to go - then he will. I have said elsewhere that is most likely what will happen. Why wouldn't he go?
I think if you look back to say the Nags game when he scored that 'worldie', Chelsea and Everton games last season with the tears in his eyes.....he loves the club....that's why.
This is one occasion when the figures involved are irrelevant. Selling him just isn't an option. Nice bit of monkey business by West Ham though. Bastards!
DM has already said as much, as far as he is concerned he isn't for sale. The only issue i have is if the club sell him behind DM's back to balance the books, then i would expect DM to walk ion protest, then we'd be well and truly royally ****ed. Won't happen off course, just putting it out there.
It's okay for us to reject any bids that may be forthcoming, but if he's tempted and asks for a transfer we may be Donald because even if we make him honour his contract, as has been suggested, he could suddenly decide to join the party in the treatment room Our only hope is the bug that's buried deep in his heart, 'cos he's obviously a wanted man
Hate to pour cold water on your comments KA but didn't Kaboul shed tears after Everton last season, and Dick Advocate do the same, neither of who are at the club now. I can't for one minute think WHU can offer Defoe any more than he's getting with us at this late stage in his career but todays modern footballer are completely different to the players 30-40 years ago and I just cannot call which way this is going to play out.
Well I hope you are right but I don't think 'Owners' Players' or Managers love a club in the same way as the fans do. He will balance his practical needs against this 'love of the Club' and I think he will make a 'Balanced choice'
Defoe's always said he has unfinished business with West Ham. With Ellis looking to sell the club, relegation looming and Defoe probably very close to putting in a transfer request, I'd be tempted to take £8m if I was you guys. But what will actually happen is Ellis will reject £15m and Defoe will get a 6 month injury the following day.
If Defoe decides he wants to go that will be it. I don't hold out much hope if he decides he wants to go home.
He's your biggest asset even at 34 years of age, no one else in your squad would sell for more than £8m, I don't think the land your stadium is on would make £8m. Pickford at £5m would be the closest
