West Ham transfer news: Jermain Defoe left West Ham because his MUM told him to go, claims ex-boss Sir Trevor Brooking
Defoe left the Hammers under a cloud in 2004, but he is now believed to fancy a return to the Premier League club
JERMAIN DEFOE left West Ham back in 2004 because his mother told him to.
That's the opinion of West Ham legend and former boss Sir Trevor Brooking, who was speaking as the Hammers try and lure their former player back.
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Defoe left under a cloud 12 years when he demanded a transfer. But Brooking believes he was influenced into the decision by his family.
Speaking to , Sir Trevor said: “I was at the club when Jermain first left, I was the caretaker manager at the time.
"Everyone said he got a lot of stick from the fans, but to be fair his mum (Sandra) has always been a big influence and he put in the transfer request really under a lot of pressure from her.
"I never really blamed Jermain – he was a young lad and that was the situation at the time.
"When we kicked off at the start of season, he played well, scored goals and stayed with us quite a while.
"People remember that but I think you would have to forget that in this day and age.”
Earlier today SunSport reported how Sunderland have told West Ham to give up on signing Defoe.
They say their star striker is not for sale at any price during this January transfer window.
West Ham have seen bids of £5million and £6m rejected already but are not giving up on a reunion with their former youth team player.
But Brooking isn't too sure West Ham's pursuit will be successful.
He added: “I can't see that (his return). I can understand them wanting him.
"To be fair to Sunderland, he is such a key part of their survival, if you were David Moyes, you wouldn't want to let Jermain go.
“At that age, 34, he might have a price but that is the balancing act. West Ham need a striker this month just to take the pressure off and score some goals.
"If he does that, he has got to be worth several million for the next few seasons.
"I just think from a Sunderland point of view, it wouldn't bare thinking about. And the fans, what would they say if that happened? I would be surprised.”