Sam Allardyce is confident that Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe will return to London this summer if he can ensure Crystal Palace's Premier League survival this month, sources have told ESPN FC.
Defoe, 34, is expected to leave the Stadium of Light at the end of the season with sources confirming to ESPN FC that the former West Ham and Tottenham striker negotiated an escape clause in his Sunderland contract in the event of the club being relegated to the Championship.
Sunderland's relegation was confirmed with a home defeat against Bournemouth last month and, despite plans to retain David Moyes as manager next season, the club are preparing for life without Defoe, who has scored 34 goals in 85 Premier League appearances (including 15 this season) since arriving from Toronto FC in January 2015.