Reports suggest that Sunderland are already planning to move ahead without January signing Jermain Defoe.

The Black Cats signed the 32-year old striker from MLS club Toronto FC on a three-and-a-half-year deal believed to be worth aroud £70,000-a-week in wages.

Defoe is currently the highest-paid player at Sunderland, but his strike rate of three goals in 13 games is not enough for the Wearsiders.

A club source told the Daily Mirror that Defoe's future at the Stadium of Light is already being questioned.

"The club made a big investment and the expectation was Defoe would score the goals to help the team to safety," said the source.

"He did score that great goal against Newcastle, but overall he is not really doing enough."