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West Ham legend reveals why Sunderland star Jermain Defoe left in 2004
WEST HAM legend Sir Trevor Brooking has lifted the lid on Jermain Defoe's exit back in 2004.
Bobby Zamora: Jermain Defoe is a top talent
West Ham are keen to re-sign Defoe having seen a £6million bid rejected for the Sunderland star.
Express Sport understands that the Hammers have doubled their offer to £13m.
Defoe left West Ham after five glittering seasons to move to Tottenham in January 2004.
He enjoyed two spells at Spurs as well as impressing at Portsmouth and MLS side Toronto FC.
And club legend Brooking has sensationally revealed that the veteran forward left West Ham because his parents influenced the decision.
Jermain Defoe is wanted back at former club West Ham
Jermain Defoe started his career at West Ham
“I was at the club when Jermain first left, I was the caretaker manager at the time," Brooking told BBC Radio Five Live.
“Everyone said he got a lot of stick from the fans, but to be fair his mum (Sandra) has always been a big influence and he put in the transfer request really under a lot of pressure from her.
“I never really blamed Jermain – he was a young lad and that was the situation at the time.
“When we kicked off at the start of season, he played well, scored goals and stayed with us quite a while.
“People remember that but I think you would have to forget that in this day and age.”
Sir Trevor Brooking was at West Ham when Jermain Defoe quit for Tottenham
Sunderland remain unwilling to part with their star asset with manager David Moyes insisting Defoe would stay at the Stadium of Light.
“We had an offer and we told them he is not for sale," Moyes said.
“It has come from the owner. We have never asked for a second bid, or put a price on him at any time.
“He signed a new contract in the summer, he is here and I do not see a big problem with him.
“Jermain is really important to us.”
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