Crystal Palace confident over summer move for Jermain Defoe - sources

Sam Allardyce is confident that Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe will return to London this summer if he can ensure Crystal Palace's Premier League survival this month, sources have told ESPN FC.

Defoe, 34, is expected to leave the Stadium of Light at the end of the season with sources confirming to ESPN FC that the former West Ham and Tottenham striker negotiated an escape clause in his Sunderland contract in the event of the club being relegated to the Championship.

Sunderland's relegation was confirmed with a home defeat against Bournemouth last month and, despite plans to retain David Moyes as manager next season, the club are preparing for life without Defoe, who has scored 34 goals in 85 Premier League appearances (including 15 this season) since arriving from Toronto FC in January 2015.

Allardyce worked with Defoe during his brief spell in charge of Sunderland last season, before leaving for his ill-fated one-game reign as England manager last July.

The Palace manager is a huge admirer of Defoe and he has identified him as a priority target for the Selhurst Park club in the event that they avoid relegation.

Palace remain in danger of the drop after losing their last three league games, against Tottenham, Burnley and Manchester City, and sit just four points above the bottom three with two games to play. However, a point at home to third-bottom Hull City this weekend will guarantee survival and leave Allardyce free to embark on his summer rebuilding plans.

Defoe is expected to generate interest from several Premier League clubs this summer after his impressive form for Sunderland, which earned an England recall earlier this season. But Allardyce is confident that his relationship with the player, and Palace's ability to offer him a return to his home city, will put the club in pole position to win the race to sign him.

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