Defoe: This player stopped me from joining Man Utd

After banging in the goals for West Ham, Tottenham and Portsmouth, a rejuvenated Jermain Defoe seems to be at the peak of his fitness, claiming 14 goals for Sunderland. Following his sensational season, the striker has earned an England call-back and has been linked with a Hammers return.

The 34-year-old made a first move from West Ham to Tottenham back in 2004, depite reported interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Black Cats player has opened up about why the deal with Sir Alex Ferguson's team never materialised: 'Louis Saha had gone to United already and he was on fire', he stated.

The French striker had joined the Red Devils from Fulham in the January transfer window, and quickly began to impress, scoring seven goals in his first ten matches. Unfortunately, due to injuries or lack of form his performances became inconsistent, ultimately ending in a move to Everton in 2008.

It would seem, had it not been for Louis Saha's impressive start to his United spell, Ferguson would have chosen Defoe to be his striker. Do you think he would have succeeded at Old Trafford?