Rumour: Defoe to quit Spurs for MLS stint

If reports from leading British newspapers are to be believed then Jermain Defoe is all set to quit Tottenham Hotspurs to join MLS side Toronto FC. Defoe seems interested in making the move in order to boost his chances to be picked for England’s 2014 World Cup squad having fallen behind Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Rickie Lambert in the picking order.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Jermain Defoe of Spurs applauds the fans at the final whistle during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and FC Sheriff at White Hart Lane on November 7, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Defoe has had very limited game time this season and has largely been used by AVB in cup (both domestic and european) games. But he has not played any significant part in the league fixtures. Defoe whose contract is to expire in June 2015 has not been given a contract extension as of yet, while Andros Townsend and Kyle Walker had theirs extended.

The reports claim that the transfer price would be somewhere close to £6m. Toronto FC have matched Defoe salary of £67,000 and with bonuses involved it could jump to around £90,000 per week. But in all probability Defoe will have a talk with England manager Roy Hodgson about the implications of such a move on his chances of making the England squad before making anything official.

A number of Championship clubs including QPR were said to be interested in signing Defoe in January but the reported four year deal could see Defoe hanging his boots in Canada. Defoe, if the deal becomes official will play for Toronto FC manager, former EPL defender Ryan Nelson.