BOURNEMOUTH, England — England striker Jermain Defoe joined Bournemouth on a three-year deal on Thursday, securing a return to a club where he scored in 10 straight league games during a loan spell in 2001.

The 34-year-old Defoe triggered a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Sunderland on a free transfer following its relegation from the Premier League.

Defoe spent the 2000-01 season on loan at Bournemouth from West Ham.

Bournemouth, which finished ninth in the league last season, also has signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Chelsea this off-season.

"We want to bring players here who can have a big impact on our continued rise," Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said, "and we believe Jermain fits that as a natural, proven goal-scorer."