Defoe to join MLS side Toronto

11 January 2014 09:08

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has agreed to join Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC for £6m.

It is expected the 31 year-old will be presented as a member of the Canadian club on Monday. With the American top-flight season commencing in mid-March, the England forward is eligible to feature for Spurs until the 28 February deadline.

Defoe, who has played more than 250 games for Spurs, said: "Everybody knows how much this club means to me, I will play my heart out until my last kick."

Speculation over Defoe's future intensified after sacked boss Andre Villas Boas preferred summer-signing Roberto Soldado as a lone-striker. Despite the appointment of Tim Sherwood, the former West Ham forward's fortunes have not changed, with the new boss opting for the formation of a partnership between previously out-of-favour Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado.

The move to Toronto FC, who are managed by former Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Nelsen, leaves Spurs with Soldado, Adebayor and 20-year-old Harry Kane as attacking options up front.

"Jermain has played a big part in the club for many years and we all know he will give his best until his last minute in a Spurs shirt," said Sherwood.

"We have several attacking options within our squad for the remaining dozen or so games of the season after Jermain departs and we shall keep our options under review.

"We also have a goal threat from players in other areas of the pitch including having wide players and attacking midfielders who will enable us to vary our shape when required."

Toronto finished second from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference last season and start their new campaign at Seattle Sounders on 16 March

 

Source: DSG