Sunderland AFC transfer rumours: Contract talks opened with Jermain Defoe amidst reported Cats interest as Jordan Jones labelled 'too good' for League One

Sunderland are set to enter the play-offs.
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The Black Cats secured their play-off spot after a 3-1 win against Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

Lee Johnson’s men will face Northampton Town in their last League One fixture on Sunday before entering the play-offs.

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Here, though, we take you through all of the latest transfer gossip and talk from around the division:

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 23: Jermain Defoe of Rangers warms up prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers Ross County at Ibrox Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 23: Jermain Defoe of Rangers warms up prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers Ross County at Ibrox Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 23: Jermain Defoe of Rangers warms up prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers Ross County at Ibrox Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard opens talks with Jermain Defoe

Steven Gerrard has revealed Rangers have opened talks with Jermain Defoe

The 38-year-old former England forward scored in Sunday's 4-1 Old Firm mauling of Celtic and has been linked with a potential return to Sunderland.

Now Gerrard has confirmed discussions have taken place to map out the frontman's future as his contract is set to expire.

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"It goes without saying that Jermain Defoe is someone I have the ultimate respect and admiration for," the Rangers boss said.

"He's been a wonderful player. He's had a wonderful career. To get him up here in the first place was something I was keen to do, because I knew he would help the group in the way he goes about his business. He's a top professional.

"We're in talks with Jermain at the moment about what's next for Jermain. But we want to be really respectful, we want to give him the time to make his own decisions.

"I think he's at a stage in his life where we'll listen to Jermain and see what he wants to do moving forward.

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"We'll go from there. I don't think it's right for me to divulge right now what's been said from my point of view and from his. But we'll certainly respect Jermain in terms of his own decisions moving forward."

Former Newcastle United winger makes Jordan Jones comment

Former Newcastle United winger Keith Gillespie had delivered his verdict on the Jordan Jones situation

He said to Football Fan Cast: “Sunderland is a big club but they need to get promoted from League One, because I think Jordan Jones is too good for League One and he is an important player for Northern Ireland when he does play.

“So hopefully he can finish the season strongly and earn himself a move away because we need players playing as high up the leagues as possible for Northern Ireland.”

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