Jermain Defoe has confirmed that a return to Sunderland this month is an option as he looks for a new club.
The 39-year-old former England striker left his player-coach role at Glasgow Rangers earlier this month and is available as a free agent.
He has been heavily linked with a move back to Wearside - where he was accorded hero status during his two-and-a-half year stay after joining seven years ago this month - and the club has made contact with his advisors.
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And, speaking on Talksport this morning, Defoe said he has 'a few options' and added that Sunderland is one of those.
"When I signed the Rangers contract in the summer, I stressed that I wanted to play in front of fans," said Defoe, referring to playing games behind closed doors during the Covid pandemic.
"I missed them so much, it wasn't the same, so I wanted another season.
"To be honest, it's been mad. My phone has gone mad.
"We've got a few options.
"Sunderland is one and I think it's well documented that it is there."
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson wants to bring in reinforcements this month to strengthen his side's promotion push, and when asked last week about the link with Defoe, he said 'a million and one things' would have to happen make such a deal viable, but pointedly refused to rule out a return.
He said: "All I'd say is that we are fully aware of Jermain's situation, as everybody is.
"We're fully aware of his character traits and the professional standards he has adhered to over his career which are elite and top level.
"But in any particular transfer scenario, there are a million and one things that would have to happen for that to be beneficial for all parties - that would be the key for any out of contract player, and particularly Jermain.
"He's an open market player who would be in consideration, as would any other, but his rapport with the area has to be taken into account and the respect for the individual not only as a great human being but also his fantastic career, would always come into it."
Defoe scored 34 goals in 87 outings for a side that was struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League, before leaving to join Bournemouth following Sunderland's relegation in 2017.
Sunderland have already brought in two new signings this month, with centre-back Danny Batth the latest arrival having signed on a free transfer from Stoke City yesterday.
He follows young full-back Trai Hume to Wearside, with the 19-year-old joining from Northern Irish side LInfield earlier in the window.
Sunderland have also been linked with a loan move for Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts, with reports suggesting that the Black Cats are closing in on him.
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