Paper round-up: Sunderland reportedly reject approach for Defoe

Sunderland have rejected an approach from West Ham for Jermain Defoe, according to reports.

The Mirror say West Ham are willing to pay £5m in order to bring their former striker, 34, back to east London but were told that he is not for sale.

The Mirror suggest the Hammers will return with an improved offer, as does The Sun, which says West Ham are willing to pay £7m.

The Sun also say West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is chasing Burnley’s former Brentford striker striker Andre Gray and Celtic’s Moussa Dembele.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers apparently values ex-Fulham forward Dembele, 20, at £20m.

The Daily Mail say West Ham are among British clubs interested in Red Bull Leipzig striker Davie Selke – Everton and Swansea are also said to be keen on the 21-year-old.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror again suggests that Chinese clubs are keen to sign John Mikel Obi from Chelsea.

His agent John Shittu has denied reports the Nigerian midfielder has agreed a move to Spanish side Valencia.

Shittu said: “It is not true that Mikel is joining Valencia on a four-year deal. The information is not correct.”

Watford have made an £8m offer for Brentford striker Scott Hogan, according to The Guardian.

And Derby County and Birmingham City have made moves to sign Crystal Palace winger Bakary Sako, according to the Mail.

Birmingham have opened the bidding for Sako, 28, at £4m, it is claimed.