Former Rangers veteran Jermain Defoe has been linked with a move to English League One quartet Sunderland, Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town and Oxford United.
The 39-year-old forward is on the hunt for a new club after negotiating his release from Ibrox with Swiss international Cedric Itten returning to take his place.
With plans to keep playing until at least the end of the campaign, Sky Sports are reporting that those four clubs are looking at Defoe with a view to taking him until the end of the season.
A former Sunderland striker, Black Cats boss Lee Johnson has also confirmed the club’s interest as he spoke up the same qualities Jermain Defoe brought to Rangers.
“We know the script with that one. He’s a good guy” said the Black Cats boss [Northern Echo].
“The fan base is all over it. Obviously he is 39 years of age and that can bring us a wealth of experience.
“At the same time, a lot of things would have to happen for any potential move to happen. And a lot people would have to be happy with it for whatever reason.
“At the moment, it’s not there.
“To answer the question, of course in principle it sounds like a fantastic idea but at the same time there’s so many intricacies that have to be right for all parties to be able to be comfortable and happy with any particular signing.”
Jermain Defoe gets emotional over Rangers as he’s linked to Sunderland return
Jermaine Defoe has also been snapped on TalkSPORT getting emotional as he talked up his old Rangers teammates.
The veteran former England international striker has had nothing but good words to say about the club since leaving and got teary eyed as he talked up former Gers colleagues like Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara.
“My teammates… ah mate, I’m getting emotional. The boys are unbelievable. You know what it’s like, you sign for a club and obviously I came with a big reputation,” said Defoe [TalkSPORT].
“All I wanted to do was go there and win. I was so desperate to win a league title. The boys were brilliant, I walked in and they were just brilliant from day one.
“I mentioned about the staff, Jimmy, the women in the canteen, Katie at the club who does all the admin, the stuff that she did for me and I spoke to her the other day and had to thank her. Going above and beyond. The things you don’t hear about.
“My teammates were just special, especially these young lads. I got messages from some of the boys.
“They call me uncle! Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara call me uncle. It’s so funny at this stage in my career.
“I’d come in the gym and the lads would be on their phones and say ‘uncle’s coming, uncle’s coming’.
“I will say something to them and they will say, ‘okay, uncle’. It’s just brilliant that appreciation from the boys.
“Joe Aribo messaged me the other day and sent a nice message saying ‘honoured to play with you, uncle. I feel so blessed I contributed to helping you get that league title’. These are special people.”
Meanwhile, Rangers are set to welcome a pop superstar to Ibrox as the Gers prepare to welcome back a gig culture to the club’s famous ground.