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Sunderland have knocked back West Ham’s move for Jermain Defoe - and insisted he is not for sale.

Mirror Sport understands West Ham have made official contact and are willing to pay £5m for the 34-year-old striker but the approach was immediately rebuffed.

That may not deter West Ham from making a bigger bid while Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is also watching developments with interest.

Defoe has already scored 11 goals this season but West Ham believe the former Tottenham and Hammers striker is interested in a move back to London.

(Image: Reuters)

They wasted no time in making a move as soon as the January transfer window opened as West Ham look to bring in a prolific striker to secure their Premier League safety.

Sunderland boss David Moyes has insisted that Defoe is “invaluable” and will not be sold at any price.

(Image: Ian Horrocks)

But it could be a major test of Sunderland’s resolve with West Ham likely to go higher with a renewed bid.

Moyes is desperate not only to keep Defoe but to also bring in new players to strengthen his squad.