Jermain Defoe persuaded by hip-hop star Drake to play for MLS outfit Toronto FC

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe was persuaded to sign for MLS outfit Toronto FC following a personal phone call from hip-hop artist Drake.

Defoe is known to be a huge fan of the Ontario-born rapper, who holds an ambassadorial role with the Canadian club, and the phone call allegedly sealed the deal for him.

The England international agreed in November to join the MLS side on a four-year, £90,000-per-week deal, despite interest from West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers.

He has also been offered unlimited flights back to the UK for both himself and his family, as well as two houses in Toronto.

Defoe, who has come on as a substitute in eight of his 18 games this season, will be loaned straight back to the North London club until the MLS season gets under way on March 8.