Sunderland Player of the Year Jermain Defoe pens 12-month contract extension

Jermain Defoe has penned a 12-month contract extension with Sunderland - to take him through to his 36th birthday at the Stadium of Light.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Jun 2016, 15:15 BST

Updated 13th Jun 2016, 12:40 BST

Top scorer Defoe took Sunderland's Player of the Year title last season after his 15 Premier League goals proved pivotal towards keeping the Black Cats in the top flight.

The England international had another two years to run on the contract he penned after arriving from MLS side Toronto in a swap deal for Jozy Altidore 18 months ago.

But the 33-year-old has now agreed an extension to his deal after continuing to prove his credentials in the Premier League.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce said: "Jermain is one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team.

"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.”