Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe denies interest in Sunderland's Jermain Defoe

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has dismissed reports linking Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe with a return to the South Coast.

The Premier League new boys are rumoured to be interested in signing the Englishman after he reportedly expressed a desire to leave the Stadium of Light.

However, Howe has rubbished the speculation, insisting that the 32-year-old, who spent a loan season with the Cherries in 2000, is not on their radar.

"I like Jermain and have done since he did so well for this football club, but there's no truth in that link," Howe told reporters in this afternoon's press conference.

Defoe joined Sunderland in January from MLS side Toronto FC.