Premier League: Bournemouth sign Jermain Defoe

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Sunderland veteran striker Jermain Defoe, the England international joins the Cherries on a free transfer. The 34-year-old forward has signed a three-year contract with Bournemouth, most likely the club from which he will retire from football. Defoe was still under contract with Sunderland but he had a release clause in his deal allowing him to leave on a free transfer if the Black Cats get relegated from the Premier League. "It's great to be back," Defoe said after signing the contract with Bournemouth. "The one thing I can guarantee is goals. It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager." Defoe is no stranger to the Bournemouth fans who remember him from the 2000-2001 season. Back then Defoe was just a teenage striker on loan from West Ham, but he scored in ten consecutive matches for the Cherries. Then he went on to become one of the most prolific strikers in England, he is currently seventh on the Premier League all-time goals list with 158 scored in 468 appearances. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said Defoe's signing is a "huge moment for the club". Last season he scored 15 goals for Sunderland and earned himself a recall in the England national team after four years. Defoe is the second signing of the summer for the Cherries after they have completed the transfer of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Chelsea at the end of May. Bournemouth finished ninth in the Premier League last season, a remarkable achievement considering it was just their second top-flight campaign. Bournemouth are 9/4 at Bet365 to finish inside the Premier League top ten again next season.