Jermain Defoe holds Sunderland talks as ex Rangers star states his case to replace Ibrox ally

Jermain Defoe has revealed that he has held "informal" discussions with Sunderland regarding the vacant managerial position - even if he is yet to be formally interviewed for the job.

The Black Cats have been without a permanent manager since early January, when they parted company with former Rangers boss Michael Beale after just 12 matches in charge. First team coach Mike Dodds has stepped up to the hot seat while the club plan their next move, but a run of just two wins in 11 games has left Sunderland sitting in 15th place in the English Championship.

Since hanging up his boots two years ago, ex-Black Cats and Rangers striker Defoe is now hoping to make a name for himself as a manager. And the 41-year-old, scored 37 goals in 100 matches across two spells at the Stadium of Light, has made it no secret that he would like to succeed old Ibrox ally Beale on Wearside.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: “I've had no interview or anything like that. And like I said before when we spoke, I spoke about obviously the people that want to come with me and even in the background, certain players that I know that I can attract, young top players in the country that I can attract to try and get the club back into the Premier League.

“I've had those sorts of discussions. So nothing's changed really, but I've not had an interview. I went to the Leeds-Sunderland game and just watched the team and stuff like that. So that's it.”

The 57-time England cap also admits seeing the success of fellow managerial newbee Tom Cleverley - who has landed the gig at Watford after just one loss in eight matches in temporary charge - has made him even more determined to forge a career in the dugout. He added: “And you know what? It makes me want