Sunderland ace Jermain Defoe has been left with his future hanging in the balance after a duo of Premier League clubs dropped out of the race to sign him, according to an exclusive report by The Daily Star.

The Daily Star is reporting that Bournemouth and West Ham United are no longer interested in signing Jermain Defoe after being put off by his financial demands.

Defoe has a relegation clause in his contract, meaning that he can leave Sunderland on a free transfer this summer.

At first glance, this looks like an appealing move for Bournemouth or West Ham as Defoe consistently scored goals for a struggling Sunderland side.

However, the England international is looking to profit from any potential move.

Jermain Defoe is demanding wages of £80,000 per week on a three year contract, as well as an £8m signing on fee, according to this report.

That takes the total signing package to a whopping £20m in total.

For a player who is due to turn 35 soon, this is a risk that Bournemouth and West Ham are not willing to take, despite both teams actively searching for a new striker.

The veteran striker scored 15 goals last season for Sunderland and had completed a medical with Bournemouth, who he previously played for on loan.

Defoe had also been interesting West Ham - another former club - but they are now looking at alternative options.

Sunderland fans - will Defoe stay or leave this summer? Let us know below...