Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has reportedly placed Jermain Defoe at the top of his shortlist of summer transfer targets.
Ex-England international Defoe had a loan stint with the Cherries at the start of his career, during which he played alongside current boss Howe.
According to The Mirror, Howe has remained an admirer of the 33-year-old, who has scored 14 Premier League goals for struggling Sunderland this season.
The report adds that Bournemouth will ramp up their interest if the Black Cats are relegated to the Championship.
It is believed that Howe has been promised a significant transfer kitty by club owner Maxim Demin.
