Jermain Defoe: Sunderland re-sign veteran former England striker
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Jermain Defoe left Sunderland at the end of the 2016-17 season after their relegation from the Premier League
Sunderland have re-signed veteran striker Jermain Defoe on a deal until the end of the season.
The 39-year-old former England international was a free agent after leaving Rangers in January.
He scored 34 goals in 87 Premier League appearances in his first spell with the Black Cats before leaving in 2017 - and re-joins the club in League One.
"I can't stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons," said Defoe.
"I've had so many messages saying, 'remember when you said you would come back', as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave.
"I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I'm looking forward to it."
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says Defoe's "infectious personality" and "elite mindset" will prove a positive influence at the club both on and off the pitch.
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Sunderland also signed Fleetwood's Jay Matete for an undisclosed fee on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
The 20-year-old midfielder had made 25 appearances for the Cod Army this season.
Matete could make his debut for the Black Cats, who are managerless after Lee Johnson was sacked on Sunday, against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Meanwhile Tom Flanagan and Aiden O'Brien have made deadline deals to League One rivals Shrewsbury and Portsmouth respectively.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.