Defoe will be sold if contract not signed

JERMAIN DEFOE’S already brittle relationship with Martin Jol fractured entirely last night after the embattled Tottenham head coach questioned the striker’s commitment to the club and suggested he would be sold before the transfer window closes next week.

The out-of-favour England international’s refusal to sign a new three-year contract with the north London club has provided ample proof of his disillusionment.

The deal has been on the table since spring but Defoe has declined to even open talks with Damien Comolli, Tottenham’s sporting director.

“My problem with him is that he is not signing his new contract and doesn’t want to extend it,” Jol said.

“Everyone else is committed: the other players have signed new contracts and I am committed to the club but he is not.

“He says he loves the club so he should sign. We say to him: you love Spurs, we love you.”

The only question now is whether a buyer can be found before the 31 August transfer deadline.

Aston Villa have long coveted him, while Manchester United might consider an offer if their pursuit of Nicolas Anelka peters out.