 Defoe started 20 league games last season |
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has no intention of leaving despite reports of a bust-up with manager Martin Jol at the weekend, BBC Sport understands. Reports claimed Defoe has refused to sign a new five-year deal as he is eyeing a move away from the club.
The 24-year-old England forward was left out of the squad for the north London derby defeat to Arsenal.
But Defoe has decided to remain at White Hart Lane and fight for a place in Jol's struggling side.
The player's contract runs out at the end of next season and Spurs want him to commit himself to a long-term deal and avoid the prospect of seeing his value drop next summer.
Reports claimed the under-fire Jol has told the player he will be forced to play with the reserves if he fails to sign his new contract.
 | 606: DEBATE |
But Defoe is keen to concentrate on getting back to playing regularly for the first-team after a frustrating period.
He has yet to start a game for the club this season and has seen his chances limited by the �16.5m arrival of Darren Bent in the summer.
Former Charlton and West Ham forward Defoe has found himself behind Bent, Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane in Jol's pecking order.
He was a second-half substitute in Tottenham's first five games before being left out altogether for the clash with Arsenal.
Defoe was the club's top scorer in his first full season after arriving from the Hammers in a �7m deal in 2004.
Shortly after joining Spurs he made his full England debut but despite remaining a key part of the squad he has started just two competitive internationals since October 2004.
Bookmark with:
What are these?