Sunderland striker Jermaine Defoe has described Bournemouth as a 'special club' ahead of his impending move to the South Coast outfit.

The 34-year-old, who spent the 2000-01 season on loan with the Cherries, is expected to re-join them on a free transfer in the coming days.

Defoe, who is currently on national duty, said: "What I want to do is get my head down and focus on England, the two games, and then after that everyone will know.

"It's documented about the Bournemouth thing. It's a club close to my heart anyway, for obvious reasons. I was there as a kid. I think I was 18, on loan from West Ham.

"It's a special place, with a top manager, and a team that's done so well from where they've come from. A unique story."