Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce says they must keep hold of Jermain Defoe.

Allardyce is understandably desperate for his hitman to stay at the club — insisting he can still play at the top for years to come.

He said: “There is no point in even thinking about losing him.

“It is more about finding somebody for him to play with, who can score as many as he does.

“Jermain trains every day, rarely seems to get injured and performs at a high level.

“He's a young 33 because he's not a drinker, he looks after himself, he has always been dedicated."