Bournemouth have reportedly set their sights on signing veteran striker Jermain Defoe from fellow Premier League side Sunderland this month.

According to The Mirror, Eddie Howe wants the 33-year-old to spearhead his attack for the remainder of the season and help keep the Cherries in the top flight.

If Bournemouth were able to tempt Sunderland with an offer of more than £5m for Defoe, who is still under contract at Sunderland until 2018, then he would return to Dean Court 15 years after scoring in 10 consecutive games while on loan from West Ham United.

Defoe is Sunderland's top scorer in the Premier League this season with six goals, two of which came in yesterday's 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Aston Villa.