But the most frustrating thing is ... Alan Pardew tried to bring him to Newcastle TWICE but he snubbed a move.
The 32-year-old only left England for Toronto FC 11 months ago, but he is understood to have had a medical on Wednesday to move a step closer to joining the Black Cats.
If Defoe completes the move in time he could even face his former employers Tottenham at the weekend, with Gus Poyet's Sunderland side travelling to White Hart Lane on Saturday.
"I felt so sharp (during his run through on Wednesday). All that hard work has paid off. I can't wait to start scoring goals for Sunderland," Defoe told the Mirror.
"Everybody knows how much I love English football and I still feel that I have a lot to offer.
"People might look at my age, but I have always looked after myself and I hope I can show that with my performances."