Soccer

Drake helped sell Jermain Defoe on Toronto FC: report

A phone call from Canadian hip-hop star Drake helped sell England and Spurs striker Jermain Defoe on Toronto FC, according to England's Daily Mirror.

Deal to bring England striker to Canada not confirmed

Toronto Raptors global ambassador Drake reportedly made a phone call to striker Jermain Defoe that helped sell him on joining Toronto FC. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

A phone call from Canadian hip-hop star Drake helped sell England and Spurs striker Jermain Defoe on Toronto FC, according to England's Daily Mirror.

The tabloid reports Defoe was "bowled over" by the call from Drake, who was unveiled in September as the Toronto Raptors' "global ambassador."

Toronto FC and the Raptors are both owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

The MLS club has yet to confirm Defoe's sdigning in the January transfer window. But privately club officials consider it a done deal.

The Mirror says the 31-year-old Defoe has been offered a deal worth £90,000 a week (C$155,310) as well as unlimited flights for him and his family.

The club will also provide the striker with two houses, according to the paper.