Defoe Could Go - Chairman

Defoe has been linked with Premiership high-flyers Manchester Utd and Arsenal over the past few months and the chairman is confident that the England Under 21 international is unlikely to still be at Upton Park when his contract is due to expire in 18 months time.

"You can't make people do what they don't want to do," he said at Mondays annual general meeting.

"I thought we could have taken him down to Hackney Marshes and all he would want to do is play football for this club.

"As it stands, Jermain Defoe has 18 months left on his contract. He may see it out and leave us for nothing, but he won't be here in 18 months' time."