Sunderland star Jermain Defoe, 39, is 'on the verge of announcing his retirement with immediate effect' as he looks to bring the down curtain on his illustrious 22-year playing career

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Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe is planning to announce his retirement in the coming days, according to reports.  

Defoe's current deal with the Black Cats is due to run until the end of the season. However, the 39-year-old is said to be looking to end his career with immediate effect.  

His decision with walk away from the sport will bring an end to his illustrious 22-year playing career - which started in 2000 when he made his professional debut for West Ham. 

Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe (above) is planning to announce his retirement soon

A source close to Defoe told The Sun: 'He [Defoe] is ready to call time on what has been a fantastic career.

'The 9th highest Premier League scorer of all time, 20 goals and over 50 caps for his country and rewarded with an OBE in light of all of the amazing work that he has done away from the pitch.

'What a career he has had.'

The news comes shortly after Defoe completed an emotional reunion with Sunderland - having returned to the club five years after he left the Black Cats for Bournemouth.  

Defoe's (right) current deal with the Black Cats is due to run until the end of the season

However, the 39-year-old is said to be looking to end his career with immediate effect 

Defoe became a free agent following the mutual termination of his Rangers contract at the start of January and had been linked with a move to either Oxford United and Charlton Athletic. 

However, Sunderland secured the services of their former striker - who spent three seasons on Wearside between 2015-2017. 

Following his sensational return to the club, Defoe has made seven League One appearances for the Black Cats this season. 

Should he hang up his boots in the coming days, Sunderland will be the final club that Defoe plays for - having previously represented the Hammers, Tottenham Portsmouth, Rangers and Bournemouth.    

Defoe (above) started in 2000 when he made his professional debut for West Ham United

Now he could finish his career at Sunderland after returning to the club from Rangers

However, Tottenham is the club that held onto Defoe for the longest. He spent 10 years with Spurs and amassed 143 goals as well as 32 assists in 362 outings.  

The former England international's goal return saw him become he club's sixth highest scorer of all time. 

Defoe was also a member of the squad that won the club's most recent trophy - the 2008 League Cup. He also managed to claim 2 international goals during his 57 caps for England.