Jermain Defoe has confirmed he will become a free agent in the summer following Sunderland's relegation from the Premier League and is preparing for an "emotional" farewell to the fans.
The 34-year-old has scored 15 league goals for the second season running, seeing him pick up the Supporters' Player of the Year award in consecutive campaigns.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce, along with West Brom's Tony Pulis, have already confirmed interest in the striker and Defoe - who earns a reported £80,000 a week - has hinted at a Stadium of Light exit despite his connection with the fans.
"We don’t know exactly what is going on but I think it's well documented, I'm a free agent," Defoe is quoted as saying.
"It is a difficult situation, it is going to be emotional.
"You never know in football, I remember when I left Tottenham, it was hard because of the relationship I had with the fans, it was a decision I had to make for football reasons. I went and I came back."
Sunderland host Swansea City on Saturday as The Stadium of Light waves goodbye to top-flight football this season and Defoe insists any transfer speculation will be left at the door.
He continued: "For the next three games I’m going to give everything I can and if it turns out to be my last home game, I want to show the fans that I appreciate them, every sung they’ve song, every minute they’ve supported the team, all the fans."
