TORONTO FC manager Ryan Nelsen fears a "top-four" Premier League club will hijack their move for Jermain Defoe - suggesting Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton or Manchester United could swoop for the striker.

According to reports, Defoe is poised to sign a lucrative deal with Toronto and be loaned back to Spurs until the MLS season begins in March.

However, Nelsen is worried that English clubs competing for a Champions League spot could swoop for the 31-year-old.

"I think if you ask any Premier League club then they would take Jermain right now," he said.

"I know Tottenham are getting offers from everywhere for his services at the moment, from top-four clubs in England as well.

"There's a lot of things in the air, there's nothing been done yet, he's not our player at the moment."

Nelsen's comments raise question marks over which Premier League side - if any - could move for Defoe.

Arsenal and Chelsea are both in need of a striker while Liverpool have been linked with January moves for a new frontman.

While Manchester City would be unlikely to go in for Defoe, Everton and Manchester United may also be in the running.

Defoe is still expected to complete his move to Toronto though, which would end his 15-year career in English football.

Source: Daily Express