Jermain Defoe signs new Sunderland deal to keep striker at Stadium of Light until 2019

JERMAIN DEFOE has avoided a summer of speculation over his future by signing a new deal with Sunderland.

The Black Cats striker, 33, had recently been linked with a return to the MLS with New York Red Bulls and was also wanted by former club Bournemouth.

But Defoe, who bagged 15 Premier League goals to help Sunderland - who launched a new awful pink away kit for next season - secure safety this year, has now committed himself to the Stadium of Light until 2019.

Wearside boss Sam Allardyce said: “Jermain is one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team.

“He proved that beyond doubt last season by scoring 15 league goals.

“He is in fantastic physical condition and we are very pleased that we have been able to extend his stay with us.”

Defoe's previous contract was due to expire in 2018 having joined Sunderland from Toronto in January 2015 on an initial three-and-a-half-year deal worth £80,000-a-week.

Allardyce was desperate to pen down the ex-England hitman, who was named the club’s supporters’ player of the year for 2015-16, so he could spearhead Sunderland's attack again next season.

But Big Sam still wants to bring in another striker this summer, having tabled an £11million bid for West Ham’s Diafra Sakho.