Newcastle battling Bournemouth and West Ham for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe

Newcastle United are interested in signing striker Jermain Defoe from their bitter rivals Sunderland this summer.

Defoe has been outstanding this season – he has scored 14 goals in the Premier League – but is poised to leave Sunderland if, as seems likely, the club are relegated from the Premier League.

As reported by The Sun, two of Defoe's former clubs, Bournemouth and West Ham United, also have a strong interest in Defoe, whose excellent form has earned him a re-call to the England squad this campaign.

Sunderland remain bottom of the table and time is running out for David Moyes' side to preserve their Premier League status, with the Black Cats having just eight games remaining this campaign.

Although, at the age of 34, Defoe is in the latter stages of his career, the forward's vast experience of Premier League football would be hugely beneficial for Newcastle, who are on track to earn promotion back to the top flight. It remains to be seen, however, whether Sunderland would sanction the sale of Defoe to Rafael Benitez's side.

Sunderland's top scorers this season (all competitions)

Jermain Defoe – 14 goals

Victor Anichebe – 3 goals

Patrick Van Aanholt – 3 goals

Paddy McNair – 2 goals

Fabio Borini – 1 goal

Adnan Januzaj – 1 goal

Lamine Kone – 1 goal

Didier Ndong – 1 goal