FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe has revealed that Sunderland have tabled an offer for his services as he answered speculation surrounding his future.

The 39-year-old was released by Scottish Champions Rangers earlier this month following a lack of game time which has attracted the interest of the Black Cats.

Defoe has now said publicly that an offer from Sunderland is there for him with a number of other clubs also interested in his services.

Defoe told Talksport: “When I’ve signed the contract for Rangers in the summer, I stressed that I want to play for another year, obviously in front of fans.

“It was great winning the league last year but I missed the fans so much. It was difficult, it’s not the same. I said to the club I want to play in front of fans for another year.

“My phone has just gone mad to be honest. When the phone is still ringing at 39, it’s a good thing. We’ve got a few options. The Sunderland one is documented. That’s out there.

Defoe has had an illustrious career at the top level and is ninth in the all time Premier League goalscoring charts. He also has 57 England caps and scored 20 goals for the national team.

At 39, Defoe is looking at his career beyond playing as he looks to explore coaching opportunities and one day becoming a manager.

However, whilst in conversation with Ally McCoist, he was urged to continue playing for as long as he can to which he admitted that he’s feeling up to speed at his age.

Defoe added: “I did a full pre-season and I feel good. I didn’t really pick up any niggles. I was doing double sessions. Those are things that I’ve always done.

“Even when the new manager come in, I remember training and thinking ‘I feel really sharp’. I’ve not really played to be honest. I know training is different to a match. At the same time, I felt sharp.

“No disrespect to any other player in that league in Scotland but I felt like I was playing with the best players around me and playing against the best players, full internationals.

“I felt good so I just thought what’s the point in stopping there when my plan was to get through the season and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland completed their second signing of the January transfer window as defender Danny Batth signed an 18-month deal from Stoke City.