Jermain Defoe hails Bournemouth ahead of expected announcement

Jermain Defoe has hailed Bournemouth as a "special" club ahead of an expected announcement on his switch to the south coast after England duty.

Sky sources understand Defoe has agreed a three-year contract worth £60,000 per week to return to the club at which he once spent a successful spell on loan.

Defoe is back in the England squad aged 34 after notching 15 goals for Sunderland, who agreed to a relegation release clause in his contract that allows him to leave the club for free.

Ahead of England's World Cup Qualifier against Scotland, live on Sky Sports 1HD on Saturday, Defoe told Sky Sports News HQ: "What I want to do is get my head down and focus on England, the two games, and then after that everyone will know.

"It's documented about the Bournemouth thing. It's a club close to my heart anyway, for obvious reasons. I was there as a kid. I think I was 18, on loan from West Ham.

"It's a special place, with a top manager, and a team that's done so well from where they've come from. A unique story."

Defoe has taken the place of Wayne Rooney, who was dropped from the squad after failing to play enough games for Manchester United last season.

Rooney could leave Old Trafford this summer, with Everton reportedly interested, and Defoe admits his England team-mate needs to be playing regular football.

"I love Wazza. He's an unbelievable player. Someone who's done so much," Defoe said.

"I read things about him and sometimes I'm quite taken aback and think 'has everyone forgotten what he's done in his career?' He came into the game young and played a lot of football. It's not easy on the body, and mentally with all that pressure he's under - probably more than most of the lads.

"I think he knows he's got to play regular football. All I'd say is I wish him the best. He's a top player and the lads love him here. Hopefully he'll get the chance to go somewhere and express himself, and just enjoy playing."