Pundit makes bizarre claim over Man Utd and Defoe

Wayne Rooney & Jermain Defoe: Will either of them be on the plane?

Dean Saunders claims Manchester United should have signed Jermain Defoe instead of pursuing Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata

The 24-year-old Spain striker is intent on making the switch to Old Trafford, but Real Madrid’s fluctuating valuations and efforts to keep the player has seen the saga dragged out for longer than it needed to.

United are willing to pay £60million but the 12-time European Cup winners want an unrealistic £80m for a player who was not a regular starter last season.

And while Morata is seemingly intent on making the move to Old Trafford, former Wales striker Saunders believes United should have moved for Defoe, who has joined Bournemouth on a free, instead.

“I would have taken Defoe me,” Saunders told 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.

“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.

“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.”

United have so far only signed Victor Lindelof this summer and Jose Mourinho is reported to be frustrated by the club’s lack of transfer action.