Brighton and Hove Albion have moved to quash reports linking them with a move for Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, reports The Brighton and Hove Independent.

Brighton had been linked with a move for the England international striker but the club's chief executive Paul Barber has dismissed these rumours as "nonsense", claiming that they have never held discussions with either Jermain Defoe or recently-released Premier League legend John Terry.

Brighton are understandably being linked with a number of players.

The Seagulls won promotion to the Premier League last season and are set to have a busy summer window as they attempt to build a team capable of staying up in the top flight.

Their current striker options consist of Sam Baldock, Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed so Brighton could be in the market for a proven Premier League goal scorer.

Jermain Defoe fits the bill in that respect - the veteran struck 15 goals for struggling Sunderland last year and has proven himself as a regular goal getter in the top flight.

The 34-year-old is available on a free transfer as per a relegation clause in his Sunderland contract but Brighton are not interested, according to Paul Barber.

Defoe is apparently demanding high wages and Brighton will instead look at other transfer targets rather than the former Tottenham and West Ham attacker.

Bournemouth remain favourites to sign Defoe.

Sunderland fans - where will Defoe end up? Let us know below...