SUNDERLAND have rejected West Ham United's improved £6m offer for striker Jermain Defoe.

Black Cats officials turned down a bid of around £5m for Defoe at the start of the week, but that did not end West Ham's interest.

The Hammers tabled an improved offer this morning, but that was also rejected with Sunderland adamant Defoe will not be leaving Wearside this month.

While Defoe turned 34 in October, his 11 Premier League goals currently make him the joint third highest goalscorer in the top-flight.

He has scored more than half of Sunderland's league goals this season, and David Moyes has concluded that he is absolutely integral to his side's chances of avoiding relegation.

Moyes has limited transfer funds available this month, but it makes no sense for the Scotsman to sell his side's best player for a fee that will not enable him to secure a replacement of a similar standard.

Defoe is understood to have a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave in the summer if Sunderland were to be relegated, but both Moyes and chief executive Martin Bain are determined to hold on to him beyond the end of the month.

Whether today's rejection marks an end to West Ham's interest remains to be seen though, with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic having identified Defoe as his main January target.