SUNDERLAND defender John O'Shea admits he is not surprised by rumours linking team-mate Jermain Defoe with a move to Cherries.

O'Shea made 11 appearances for Cherries during a loan spell in 2000, returning to Manchester United six months before striker Defoe embarked on his goal-laden eight-month stay at Dean Court.

Ireland international O'Shea, five times a Premier League winner with United, lined up against Cherries when the Black Cats' relegation was confirmed by a 1-0 defeat at the end of last month.

And he conceded Sunderland would struggle to hold on to their prized assets, none more so than Defoe, who struck 15 goals for the Wearsiders in the season just gone.

O'Shea told the Daily Echo: "The speculation has been going on for a long time. We will wait and see what happens in terms of personnel.

"I don’t want to comment too much on one individual but seeing Jermain linked with Bournemouth doesn't surprise me.

"In our situation players will be linked with other clubs left, right and centre. And agents have their job to do, which is to look after their players."