The former Arsenal captain has been superb for Sunderland this season.
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And Defoe told safc.com: “No one probably knows this, but Granit actually reached out to me in the summer.
“He said, ‘I’ve got a chance to go to Sunderland. Can you give me some words about the club?’
“I just told him, ‘Listen, you’ll love it. The club, the fans, the city - it’s special.’ He also asked about places to live for his family.
"I think he’s been a massive signing, not just for what he brings on the pitch but in the dressing room too.”