• Premier League

Bent set for £18 million Aston Villa move

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 17, 2011
Darren Bent has scored 32 league goals for Sunderland © Getty Images
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Darren Bent has travelled to Aston Villa to discuss personal terms on Monday after Sunderland accepted an £18 million bid.

Bent handed in a written transfer request on Sunday night and, while neither manager Steve Bruce nor the club are happy, they will not stand in the player's way.

Bruce confirmed the story to ESPNsoccernet and said: "I'm disappointed but that's the way it is."

The deal, which would be a club record for Villa, could rise to £24 million depending on the club's survival and future trophies, as well as Bent's goals and appearances.

Bent, who turns 27 next month, has scored 32 goals in 58 appearances in the league since joining Sunderland from Tottenham in 2009 for an initial £10 million.

Bruce is understood to have been shocked both by the transfer request and the amount Villa were prepared to pay, and was taking time out to reflect - and walk his dogs on the beach - before releasing an official statement on the situation.

He is left with problems as he has only two weeks left of the transfer window to replace his star striker. Sunderland were linked with a move for Manchester United's Michael Owen but Bruce dismissed those rumours as "bull****" after the 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Black Cats are set to release a statement confirming Bent's request later on Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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