Fulham Transfers: Darren Bent & Lee Cattermole Signings Imminent?
The Mirror are reporting that Cattermole has been told by Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio that he is free to leave the Stadium of Light this summer. Di Canio has initiated a massive shake-up at the North East club and wants rid of the tough-tackling 25-year-old who has earned the unwanted nickname "Clattermole". The former England U-21 star is now in talks with Fulham manager Martin Jol, who has money to spend following the London club's takeover by US tycoon Shahid Khan. Cattermole, who joined Sunderland four years ago in a £6 million move from Wigan, could be available for just £2.5 million. And Jol also has his crosshairs locked on unwanted Aston Villa striker Bent. The 29-year-old is inching closer to the exit door at the Midland's club, according to the Daily Mail, as Fulham and Newcastle lock horns over the former Tottenham man, who Villa signed for £24 million just two seasons ago. Fulham look to be winning that battle with Bent and his agent left feeling unimpressed following a meeting with the Magpies new director of football Joe Kinnear, who was only willing to offer £2 million. Fulham have had an initial £4 million bid for the striker rejected and have responded by making an improved, £6 million offer.