SUNDERLAND have made renewed contact with Jermain Defoe - and are increasingly confident of being able to confirm the striker's return to the Stadium of Light later today.

The Black Cats are close to agreeing a deal with the former striker that will see him make an emotional return to Wearside following his release from Rangers earlier this month.

It is anticipated that Defoe will sign in a player-coach capacity until the end of the season, when it is anticipated that he will announce his retirement from playing.

Sunderland have held a series of talks with Defoe and his representatives in the last few weeks, but former head coach Lee Johnson harboured reservations about re-signing the 39-year-old and a move was therefore put on hold.

Johnson was uncertain about Defoe's ability to make an impact having played just nine minutes of senior football for Rangers this season, but his dismissal in the wake of Saturday's 6-0 defeat at Bolton immediately changed the landscape.

With Johnson out of the picture, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman have pressed ahead with their initial plans to re-sign Defoe, who starred for Sunderland in the Premier League between 2015-17.

Oxford United have also held a series of discussions with Defoe and his representatives, but the veteran forward's preference has always been to rejoin Sunderland, where he enjoyed a special relationship with the club's fans during his previous spell at the Stadium of Light. 

As a free agent, Defoe does not necessarily have to sign for a new employer during the transfer window, and could in theory leave a decision over his future until later in the week.

However, Sunderland are keen to settle things as quickly as possible, with a home game against Doncaster looming large on Saturday.