Jermain Defoe is the sole reason that Sunderland have a slight chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship this season.
David Moyes's men are currently bottom of the table and are seven points adrift of safety at present.
Had Defoe not been in their side, they'd be dead and buried already.
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The 34-year old has scored 14 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season, with all of those goals coming in the Premier League.
Image: PA
If Defoe were to leave the club, Sunderland would be royally screwed but it seems like that happening is very likely.
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According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Defoe can leave the club in the summer if the club are relegated to the Premier League.
A clause in Defoe's contract means that if Sunderland do fail to avoid the drop, as many are expecting them to do, he is able to leave on a free transfer.
The England striker, who returned to the side and scored against Lithuania on Sunday, will surely have a host of potential suitors should Sunderland end up in the Championship given that he's proved that he still has that goalscoring touch.
Image: PA
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In January, Sunderland rejected a Β£6 million bid from West Ham for Defoe in January and the Hammers' desperation for a new striker means that are likely to go back in for him in the summer.
Bournemouth, another one of Defoe's former clubs, are also said to be keen.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics:Β Jermain Defoe, Sunderland, Premier League, England