Former Premier League and England striker Jermain Defoe has expressed an interest in the vacant manager’s job at Oxford United.
This comes as part of the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast Jermain Defoe: Outside The Box, as he looks to become a manager.
The 40-year-old, who retired in March last year, remains the ninth-highest Premier League goalscorer after finding the net with several clubs, including Sunderland, Tottenham and Portsmouth.
When asked if the position would come too soon, Defoe said: “Obviously it’s early because I’ve not managed.
“I don’t think I would force it because I want to be ready, I don’t want to go into a situation where I’m not ready.
“I want to be fully prepared so I wouldn’t force it, but at the same time, if I got a phone call then I’m not going to be one of those people who’s in a comfort zone.
“I don’t mind going outside my comfort zone and throwing myself into the deep end because, at the end of the day, it’s that competitive side of me – I’ve always been like that anyway.
“I don’t think you can be afraid to fail, I think you have to set your sights high but if they called me, I’d go of course.
“I’d go and listen to what they say.”
Oxford were linked with a move for the striker last January before returning to the Stadium of Light for a second spell.
A move into management may not be the right fit for the club in their current position, with reports claiming that bringing in Grant McCann is very close to completion.
