Defoe busy helping Xhaka to settle in

JERMAIN DEFOE believes ‘sleeping giants’ Sunderland are ready to spring a surprise on their return to the big time - and has been giving some of their new signings his insight into the area.

- By PAUL MARTIN Sportsbeat

Defoe scored 37 goals in 93 appearances for the Black Cats, who are back in the Premier League for the first time since the prolific striker departed in 2017.

And he has watched on with interest as they have splashed the cash this summer, breaking their club transfer record twice to bring in Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra.

“Sunderland have spent money and they are going to have a go,” he said.

“A lot of teams who get promoted these days go straight back down so it would be really nice to see them stay up.

“Sunderland is a sleeping giant, it’s a massive football club with an amazing following, no different to Leeds really, another massive football club with a big history.

“I enjoyed my time there. When it's going well up there, it’s amazing.