Sunderland are believed to be determined to push through a deal for Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe.
The 32-year old is on the verge of returning to the Premier League less than 12 months after leaving Tottenham for MLS with reports suggesting that TFC will receive a MLS-record £14million transfer fee.
The deal has not yet been confirmed by either the Black Cats or the Reds but it is believed that a swap for USA international Jozy Altidore will soon be complete.
Defoe, who netted 11 goals in 19 MLS outings for TFC, said he was thrilled to be returning to his homeland of England to get back to playing the type of football he loves the most.
"I felt so sharp. All that hard work has paid off. I can't wait to start scoring goals for Sunderland," Defoe told The Mirror after training with the Wearside outfit.
"Everybody knows how much I love English football and I still feel that I have a lot to offer.
"People might look at my age, but I have always looked after myself and I hope I can show that with my performances."
The Mirror is reporting that the 55-time England international, who has scored 125 Premier League goals, will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Black Cats which will land him around £80,000-a-week.
If the deal is completed this week, as expected, Defoe will return to White Hart Lane to take on former club Spurs on Saturday.
