Jermain Defoe signs three-year Sunderland extension

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2019.

The 33-year-old was largely responsible for keeping Sunderland in the Premier League last season, scoring 15 goals in the top flight as the Black Cats narrowly avoided relegation.

Defoe has now committed his future to the club, signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until the age of 36.

"Jermain is one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team," manager Sam Allardyce told the club's official website.

"He proved that beyond doubt last season by scoring 15 league goals, he is in fantastic physical condition and we are very pleased that we have been able to extend his stay with us."

Defoe, who has scored 22 goals in 53 appearances since joining Sunderland from Toronto FC in 2014, is the second player to put pen to paper at the club in as many days following Patrick van Aanholt's extension yesterday.