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Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has distanced the club from reports suggesting they are keen to sign Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.
The 32-year-old forward enjoyed a loan spell with the Cherries at the start of his career and was reportedly ready to return to the south coast after growing frustrated with life on Wearside.
Howe is keen add an experienced striker to his squad and has also been linked with Crystal Palace's Glenn Murray.
However, he said of the Defoe speculation: "I like Jermain and have done since he did so well for this football club, but there's no truth in that link."
Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has already sold Connor Wickham this summer and is believed to be keen to sign a new forward rather than sell the likes of Defoe.
Former Tottenham and Portsmouth forward Defoe scored four goals in 17 appearances last season after joining the Black Cats from MLS outfit Toronto in January.
He said: "It goes without saying that I still feel that I've got more to offer, but I need that to be up front - in the position I know best.
"I still feel that I've got more years in me. I'm fit, I don't drink, don't smoke, I like to stay professional and I love the game. I will always do what I can to help the team but I want to do even more so that we are not in a position where things get even harder for us."
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