Jermain Defoe passes medical ahead of move to Sunderland

Toronto striker Jermain Defoe has passed his medical at Sunderland as he closes in on a move back to the Premier League.

Defoe, 32, was on Wearside today for tests and hopes to have the transfer from MLS side Toronto complete before the week is out.

Sunderland have reportedly agreed an £80,000-a-week, three-and-a-half year contract with Defoe, who left Premier League side Tottenham for Canada 12 months ago.

Sources on Wearside were cautiously optimistic that a deal could be done on Wednesday morning, and that optimism grew when news of the medical emerged. However, the transfer could yet depend on United States international Altidore, whose future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, and his proposed move in the opposite direction.

If all formalities are completed before Friday afternoon Defoe could play against former club Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday at White Hart Lane.

The 25-year-old, who also signed a four-year deal, has scored just three times for the club in 52 outings.

The £14m deal includes Defoe’s wages, meaning Sunderland are expected to pay Toronto around £3million, with sources in America suggesting Jozy Altidore could return to the MLS as part of the deal.