England striker Jermain Defoe can leave Sunderland on a free transfer if they are relegated from the Premier League, Sportsmail can confirm.
The clause in the 34-year-old’s contract is sure to spark a scramble for his signature among top-flight clubs.
The Black Cats are currently bottom of the table and seven points adrift of safety despite Defoe scoring 14 times in the league this season.
And he will be free to quit the Wearsiders should David Moyes’ side succumb to the increasing inevitability of relegation to the Championship.