Transfer Centre

Toronto expecting Jermain Defoe stay

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 19 December 2014

Toronto reveal that they expect to have Jermain Defoe available to them for their 2015 MLS season, but claim that they will consider any offer that they receive.

Toronto general manager Tim Bezbatchenko is confident that the MLS club will see striker Jermain Defoe return to them next season.

The English hitman has been heavily linked with a move back to the Premier League in recent months, with Queens Park Rangers among those linked with a January swoop.

While Bezbatchenko expects the 32-year-old to represent the Canadian side next season, he did little to dissuade potential suitors by revealing that all offers will be considered.

"Jermain, we're planning on him getting back," he told reporters.

"He logs into his account on Sports Office and just a couple days ago, he started running on the field.

"If someone comes and there's an offer, we'll consider it. We're planning to have him on our team but we have contingencies, and if he happens not to be here, we have a plan."

Last week, QPR boss Harry Redknapp ruled out a switch for Defoe, whom he has previously signed for Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur.