The Observer says senior club officials manipulated Jol into publicly criticising the striker earlier this season when saying: "He [Defoe] tells everyone he loves the club, but hasn't signed a contract. I said to him he will have a fair chance if he signs. My only problem with him is his contract."

According to sources, the club asked him to 'send a message out' to the forward about running down his current deal then refused to back his words when Defoe complained about them.

Defoe is said to have embraced Jol when he said his farewells on Friday.