Manchester United have been chasing Alvaro Morata this summer but according to Dean Saunders, they should have been directing their efforts towards luring in Jermain Defoe.
The football pundit has claimed that the Real Madrid striker would be a gamble for United in their attempts to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Instead, Saunders believes Sunderland’s top scorer last season would’ve been a better fit.
“I would have taken Defoe me,” the former Liverpool striker said on talkSPORT.
“He’s 34, scored 15 goals last season, couple of years in him. His instinct of getting to the ball first in the box is brilliant.”
Saunders insists that Defoe’s Premier League pedigree makes him a far more assured signing than splurging on a foreign recruit.
“I’d have him in the squad, you’re gambling, every time you sign a striker from abroad it’s a gamble. I don’t think it’s a gamble with Defoe.
The diminutive English striker has been snapped up by Bournemouth on free transfer, signing a three-year deal with the club he enjoyed a prolific loan spell with back in the 2000-01 season.
Saunders admits that Defoe is his favourite player, marvelling at the player’s intelligence and finishing ability.
“He’s my favourite player, Jermain Defoe is my favourite player. I love watching him.
“I like how his brain works and how he can finish, he finishes all types of chances.
“He doesn’t drink, he’s fit as a fiddle. He will (start) if he scores every week.”