Defoe: Doesn't like life on the bench

The 29-year-old found himself playing a back-up role for most of last season, with loan signing Emmanuel Adebayor leading the line.

Former Portsmouth and West Ham hitman Defoe netted 17 goals for Spurs last term despite his lack of starts in Harry Redknapp's starting XI.

A number of clubs are thought to be monitoring Defoe's situation at White Hart Lane and the England international has conceded he could be forced to quit the club if he is not playing more regularly this season.

"Everyone knows how much I love Tottenham. Everybody knows that they are the club I want to play for," Defoe told the Daily Mirror.

"But last season was heartbreaking for me in terms of putting my body on the line, being prepared to give everything for the club and not getting a game.

"Obviously I have to think seriously about my future. I will talk to the club and see what happens but right now all I want to do is what is best for Tottenham."