Johnson cannot rule out return for Defoe to Black Cats

DEAL WOULD HAVE TO SUIT ‘A LOT OF PEOPLE’ TO GO AHEAD, SAYS HEAD COACH

LEE Johnson says Jermain Defoe’s mooted return to Sunderland is a ‘fantastic idea in principle’ but cautions that any deal would have to be right for all parties.

Defoe left his role as player-coach at Glasgow Rangers this month and has been heavily linked with a move back to Wearside as a free agent, four and a half years after he left the

Black Cats in the wake of the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Speaking yesterday, he said: “To be honest, it has been mad. My phone has gone mad.

“We have a few options.

“Sunderland is one and I think it iswell documented that it is there.”

Asked about the Defoe situation, head coach Johnson did not rule out a move for the 39-year-old forward but did say ‘at the moment it is not there’.

He said: “I have heard the media clip of Jermain his morning. “We know the script with that one. Jermain is a good guy, the fanbase is all over it, he is 39 years of age and that brings with it a wealth of experience.

“At the same time, a lot of things would have to happen for any potential move to go ahead and a lot of people would have to be happy with it - and at the moment it is not there.

“There are so many elements that go into it.

“You have the football side, the condition of the player in terms of gametime, the injury record, everything has to be looked at in fine detail.

“One of the biggest things is the connection between coach and player – that becomes really important.

“Thinking about Danny Batth from Stoke and the others we have brought in, I have always felt that connection.

“Of course they are signing for the football club, first and foremost but the coach is picking the team and that is really important.

“In principle, it sounds like a fantastic idea.

“At the same time there are so many intricacies which have to be right for all parties to be able to be comfortable and happy with any particular signing.” Sunderland have made two signings this month already, with centreback Batth joining from Stoke City while young full-back Trai Hume has arrived from Northern Irish side Linfield.

However, the Black Cats are still looking for more reinforcements, with Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts strongly linked with a move to Wearside. However, while Defoe is a free agent which allowed Johnson to speak more freely about the player Roberts is under contract at the Etihad Stadium. The Sunderland boss would not be drawn on a potential move for the 24-yearold.

He added: “I cannot speak about it, I am sorry. He belongs to Man hester City. “Patrick is a top player and an interesting player but it is not something we can discuss.”

He- is a good guy, the fanbase is all over it, he is 39 years of age and that brings with it a wealth of experience Lee Johnson