SUNDERLAND have quashed speculation over Jermain Defoe’s future by agreeing a one-year contract extension with the striker.

The Black Cats have added another 12 months to Defoe’s existing deal, meaning his new contract at the Stadium of Light now runs to 2019.

By that stage, the former England international will be approaching his 37th birthday, so yesterday’s agreement is a clear endorsement of Sam Allardyce’s continued faith in the forward’s ability.

Defoe has scored 22 goals in 53 appearances since moving to Wearside as part of a swap deal that saw striking flop Jozy Altidore join MLS side Toronto FC.

His goals were integral to Sunderland’s successful survival battle last season, with his 15 Premier League strikes leaving him in joint-seventh position in the top-flight goalscoring charts.

Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy were the only English strikers to outscore Defoe, and while the former Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth striker’s efforts were insufficient to earn a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Euro 2016, they resulted in him being named Sunderland Supporters’ Player of the Year.

“Jermain is one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the Premier League, and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team,” said Allardyce, whose initial scepticism about Defoe’s ability to succeed as a lone striker quickly disappeared once he saw the 33-year-old in action in the role.

“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.”

Sunderland’s eagerness to extend Defoe’s contract was also a reflection of their determination to ensure he was not lured away from Wearside this summer.

Bournemouth, who Defoe represented on loan as a youngster, have been regularly linked with a possible approach, while Burnley and Hull were also credited with a strong interest in the wake of winning promotion from the Championship.

Allardyce is already losing Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher this summer, with the pair having come to the end of their contracts, and the Black Cats boss spelled out his determination to keep Defoe when he held post-season talks with Sunderland owner Ellis Short.

Today’s confirmation of a new deal is a direct result of those talks, and Allardyce will now turn his attention to securing a new attacking partner for his number one striker.

He has discussed the possibility of signing West Ham’s Diafra Sakho for around £10m, but the Hammers will not allow Sakho to leave until they have completed their own capture of a new forward.

Allardyce has also sounded out Swansea City about a possible move for either Andre Ayew or Bafetimbi Gomis, although he is yet to lodge a formal offer for either player.