West Ham United: Would you welcome back Defoe?
Sam Allardyce has been linked with more footballers than Big Brother beauty Imogen Thomas. Jussi Jaaskelainen, Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, James Collins, Mobido Maiga and Raphael Spiegel have all arrived at the Boleyn Ground over the past few months, but Big Sam is far from finished his summer spending.
A loan move for Liverpool's Andy Carroll is on the table and Scottish striker Jordan Rhodes remains a target. However, one of the most intriguing rumours of the summer so far is the possibility of re-signing Jermain Defoe from rivals Spurs.
Defoe enraged the Hammers in 2003 by handing in a transfer request less than 24 hours after the club had lost their top flight status. West Ham refused to sell him though and he started life in the Championship at Upton Park but in January 2005 West Ham accepted a bid from Tottenham Hotspur. A move which rubbed salt in the wound for fans of the Irons.
Now, with the England international falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, rumours abound that Defoe could be lined up for a move back to East London. But would you welcome him back?
There's no denying that Defoe is a goalscorer. He has been described by many as the most clinical finisher England have. With 36 goals in 89 Premier League appearances for Spurs, Defoe could give West Ham a killer instinct up front. He's small, tricky, quick and good on the ball, with an eye for goal. He probably wouldn't even cost that much seeing as he appears to be surplus to requirements at Spurs. Unfortunately there would be little sell on value in two/three years time due to his age.
However, does Defoe really want to return to West Ham or is he just desperate to find a club that will take him?
Defoe, who turns 30 in October, is a professional footballer and obviously he wants to be starting the majority of games. He believes he has so much more to give and has personal scoring records to break.
Goals keep you up in the Premier League and Defoe would guarantee at least a return of double figures each season. A strikeforce consisting of Cole, Vaz Te, Defoe and possibly Carroll would be one to watch. But, considering Defoe's attitude when he was last at the club, are you willing to forgive and forget?
Calling all West Ham United fans: Would you be happy to see Defoe back in the claret and blue? Do you believe time has healed the wounds or should Defoe never be allowed back at Upton Park? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
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