Sunderland are performing well under Jack Ross as they look to bounce straight back to the Championship, with the Black Cats just three points off leaders Portsmouth with a game in hand.

But even though his side are in contention, Sunderland's owner Stewart Donald, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, has admitted that he tried to lure former striker Jermaine Defoe back to the Stadium of Light in the summer, with the player having fallen out of favour at Bournemouth.

The player's wages would certainly have been an issue in League One but with Defoe having only played 14 minutes of Premier League football all season, an exit from the South Coast side is not out of the question.

So is it a shock Sunderland were in for Defoe in the summer?

We discuss.....

Gary Hutchinson

Not at all.

Defoe is pretty much a ‘rent a goal’ striker and would do well in the Championship even now.

He’s got history with Sunderland, so it makes perfect sense.

I’m surprised it didn’t come off if anything.

Sam Rourke

What was he thinking?

There is no way that Defoe would have dropped down to League One.

I know he's got a strong affiliation with the Black Cats, but Defoe will surely want to be plying his trade at the highest levels during the few years he has left as a top pro.

Jacob Potter

It doesn’t surprise me.

Defoe has been a fans favourite at Sunderland in recent years, but I will be honest, I am not surprised that the move didn’t materialise.

Defoe has the ability to be playing week in, week out, for a Premier League side and he will be hoping to get more regular playing time for Bournemouth in the near future.

Louie Chandler

I am surprised at this!

It would have been a great signing though but seemingly would have stuttered the great growth we have seen in Josh Maja.