Defoe closing in on MLS switch

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermaine Defoe is closing in on a move to the MLS with Toronto FC, and will finalise the switch if he receives the blessing of national coach Roy Hodgsdon, ESPN understands.

The England international has struggled to hold down a first team place at White Hart Lane this season following the arrival of Spaniard Roberto Soldado.

The majority of his game time has come in the cup competitions, where he has been prolific; though that has not convinced manager Andre Villas Boas to further include him in his Premier League plans.

The 31 year old was also linked with a return to West Ham United earlier this month, after declaring his love for the club where he began his career, though he now looks set to move to Toronto, where he will link up with former Spurs teammate Ryan Nelson, who became their first team coach in January.