Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce denies Jermain Defoe exit reports

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has denied that he has any intention of allowing Jermain Defoe to leave the club in January.

Reports suggested that the 33-year-old had grown frustrated with his role at the Stadium of Light, leading Allardyce to consider selling the former England international.

However, Defoe started for the Black Cats against Crystal Palace and scored an 80th-minute winner to guide the club to their second win of the campaign.

Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "I read in the paper yesterday I was selling Defoe. This is the trouble with the window coming in January.

"I'm selling everyone apparently, then I'm asking them to play. The only one [who might move] is Liam Bridcutt. Everyone else, I'm asking to come to the fight.

"I want to get the maximum from the players I have. The players have given me more confidence today. I try to guide them but they are the ones who go out and do it. They've got to be the saviours, not me. I can guide them, and help them along the way."

Defoe has scored seven goals in all competitions for Sunderland this season.