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Jermaine Defoe's Sunderland return on hold with Black Cats manager Lee Johnson 'reluctant' to sign 39-year-old striker during January transfer window

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson is reportedly reluctant to bring Jermaine Defoe back to Wearside, despite holding talks with the player.

Earlier this week, the veteran striker told talkSPORT he had discussed a possible return to the Stadium of Light with the club after being released by Rangers this month.

However, according to The Northern Echo, Johnson is not entirely sold on adding the 39-year-old to his squad during the January transfer window. Specifically, Johnson is said to be wary of adding a former international coming to the end of his career to the fold.