Death threats for want-away Defoe: report

01-05-2009 | AFP

The English striker has received threats because he wants to return to Tottenham

Panama Star PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND. England striker Jermain Defoe has received threats from Portsmouth fans angry at his apparent desire to return to Tottenham barely a year after his arrival at Fratton Park.

"Some of the calls have made me sick to my stomach," Defoe, 26, told the Sunday Mirror.

The forward is believed in line for a Hart Lane return - although Manchester City have also been linked with him, as have Aston Villa and Juventus.

"I have absolutely no idea how they got hold of my number but some of the calls have made me sick to my stomach.

"I have reported it to officials at the club, but cannot accept that it is coming from people with a balanced state of mind," said Defoe.

"It has infuriated and upset my family and left me wondering what on earth possesses people to do things like that."

Defoe, who missed the holders' FA Cup draw Saturday with Bristol City, said he wanted to go at a meeting with manager Tony Adams and executive chairman Peter Storrie last week.

Adams insists Defoe will only be allowed to leave Fratton Park for the right price amid media reports the club want 20million pounds for a player that forner manager Harry Redknapp signed for less than half that.

Since winning the FA Cup at Wembley against Cardiff in May Portsmouth have lost Redknapp to Spurs while owner Sacha Gaydamak has put the club up for sale.