Premier League minnows Bournemouth are planning to recruit the services of John Terry and Jermain Defoe when the season comes to a close. The pair will be leaving their respective clubs – Chelsea and Sunderland – on a Bosman in the summer.
According to The Mirror, Cherries boss Eddie Howe is eager to pull off a considerable coup by offering the experienced duo with big-money deals at the South Coast.
Both Defoe and Terry have been consistent performers in the English top-flight, and Howe feels his side would need additional experience ahead of what could be a tougher campaign next term.
Terry, 36, is likely to be offered a £130,000 weekly package on a two-year contract this summer while Defoe will be provided a similar deal on a lower wage bill of around £100,000 per week.
Chelsea have been dependent on the services of Terry over the past decade or so, but this appears to changed this season with Antonio Conte barely using him in the first-team.
The ex-England footballer has not started a league game since his ligament strain back in September, and this has urged him to decline a fresh contract in order to pursue his career elsewhere.
On the other hand, Defoe has had a much fruitful spell at the Wearside with 15 goals in the top flight, but this has not been sufficient to keep them in the Premier League.
The former Spurs man has a relegation release clause on his current contract, and this would allow him to opt for a move of his choice ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Defoe recently scored on his international comeback after a four-year wait, and he will no doubt want to improve his chances of making England’s World Cup squad by remaining in the top division.
The 34-year has fond memories in the south Coast after having previously spent a loan stint at Bournemouth from West Ham United (2000-01) where he netted 20 goals across all competitions.
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