CHERRIES remain on course to complete the signing of striking target Jermain Defoe despite claims to the contrary in a national newspaper today.

The Daily Star suggested the transfer was in the balance, with Cherries still weighing up the financial commitment involved in signing the England international.

Sources close to the Daily Echo have, however, dismissed the idea that the club was going cold on the deal.

Defoe revealed before his country's recent matches against Scotland and France that he had undergone a medical at Vitality Stadium.

The 34-year-old was nevertheless keen to delay any official announcement on his future to focus on England – and out of respect to Sunderland, the club he is poised to leave after two-and-a-half years on Wearside.

A clause in Defoe's Stadium of Light contract allows him to depart on a free transfer following the club's relegation into the Championship.

He hit the net 15 times last season but could not prevent Sunderland from finishing bottom of the Premier League.

Defoe enjoyed a terrific loan spell with Cherries in 2000-01, when he plundered 19 goals in 31 appearances.