Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has set himself an ambitious 20 goal target for the new season.

Defoe joined the Black Cats in January from MLS outfit Toronto and managed four Premier League goals in 17 appearances, including a stunning volley in a crucial 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Newcastle.

The 32-year-old striker, who remains keen to force his way back into the England squad, has only managed to score 20 or more in one season once in his career – with Spurs in 2008/09 – but he says that has to be the target ahead of the new campaign.

“During the off-season I always keep myself fit. I try not to eat too much and get the rest – the season is so long – but after a couple of weeks I’m ready to go back, ready to train,” he told Sky Sports News.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good pre-season and we can start the season really strong.

“People say you should always aim for 20 goals in a season and if I’m scoring goals it’s only good for the club and the team.”

Defoe is likely to have at least one new strike partner next term as Steven Fletcher has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light, which would leave just the former Portsmouth and West Ham forward, Connor Wickham, and Danny Graham as the club’s frontmen.

Sunderland begin the new campaign with a trip to Leicester and they are 3.75 to take all three points or 9.50 to win 1-0.