Lee Johnson has poured cold water on reports that he does not want to sign Jermain Defoe - saying Sunderland are 'working very hard' to bring him back to Wearside.
The Black Cats boss has previously spoken about the former England international, who is currently a free agent after leaving his role as player-coach at Rangers earlier ths month, as a signing that sounded fantastic 'in principle'.
And that led to reports claiming that Johnson was the stumbling block to a deal because he was reluctant to sign the 39-year-old.
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However Johnson today said that those reports are 'misinformation' and insisted that Sunderland are keen on Defoe, who previously spent two-and-a-half years at the club before leaving in the summer of 2017.
"It's misinformation," said Johnson said of those reports.
"We are working very hard to try and bring Jermain in.
"We have had good conversations.
"It's an option, but it has to be right for the player and for all parties.
"Don't confuse us being thorough, for no interest.
"I have a load of respect for Jermain himself and for what he can bring to the football club.
"Whether it's short-term or long-term it doesn't really matter, it's about bringing someone in of that ilk."
Sunderland defender Denver Hume has been linked with a move to this afternoon's opponents Portsmouth this week, and Johnson confirmed that Pompey have made a verbal offer for him and that it was his decision to leave the player out of the squad as a result.
"There is interest -there is interest from Portsmouth," he said after the 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
"Nothing has been agreed yet but there have been verbal offers, although maybe not written offers.
"I took the decision today to leave Denver out because I thought it was unfair on him - if he comes on and scores the winner, it would be difficult for him.
"If [Portsmouth boss] Danny Cowley asks him what our team is, it will be difficult for him because there has been contact.
"I felt it was the right thing to do and I gave Denver the day off yesterday.
"But if it goes past this week and nothing gets done, absolutely he will be part of our squad going forward."
Cowley was asked about his interest in Hume, and said: "He's a player we would like to bring in.
"We'd like an attacking left-back and he's one of two we've enquired about.
"I believe we've made an offer, but I've been focusing on this game and don't know any more than that at the moment."
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