DAVID MOYES has revealed his surprise that star striker Jermain Defoe has a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for nothing this summer.

Defoe can move on a free transfer when the window opens because of an agreement in his terms that was agreed before Moyes took charge last summer.

The situation has frustrated the Sunderland manager because he knows the England striker – who scored again at Hull last weekend - could have commanded a decent fee after scoring 15 goals this season.


Defoe agreed a one-year extension last June on the deal he signed in January 2015 and that means he would have been tied to the Stadium of Light until 2019 had the Black Cats not suffered relegation.

Moyes, who resisted offers for Defoe in January, said: "It was great for him to get a goal last week - that's what Jermaine does. We've needed his goals all year and we hope he stays.

"Everyone at the club wants him to stay and all the supporters want him to stay, but it has to be Jermaine's decision.

"There is a clause in his contract. In my time as manager I wouldn't have allowed a clause to be in there but it is and we have to honour the contract.”

Defoe is interesting Borunemouth, West Brom and West Ham. 

Sunderland are looking to finish a disastrous season strongly after beating Hull last Saturday. They face Swansea, who need to win to stay out of the relegation zone, on Wearside tomorrow afternoon.

Moyes said: “Getting good results makes you feel much better, we felt much better after last week’s result. We have played OK and haven’t got the result.

“Last week was an OK performance and we managed to get the result. Last week the goals came, the keeper made a couple of good saves and we want to keep the momentum going and head into the new season with some good win.”

The Sunderland manager also revealed George Honeyman, who is one appearance away from triggering a new deal, will miss out against Swansea because of a freak training ground accident.

Moyes said: “George Honeyman picked up an injury in training when Lamine Kone fell on his back. George will not be available and that’s a big blow because he played so well last week and has been a shining light last week.

“Lee Cattermole and Darron Gibson has done some training, as has Bryan Oviedo. Bryan has a chance. I don’t know if I would rush him back after a hamstring. Javier Manquillo has played fine at left-back so I am fine with that just now.”