5. A Way Out For Carroll
Thanks to the ridiculous transfer fee suggested by the Mail in their story yesterday, Bent's suitors are likely to be thin on the ground - even if there is a desire to bring the striker in. Clubs simply don't have that kind of money going spare, especially since Bent has been limited to making appearances off the bench, and may take some time to get up to match fitness after a January move. The best option for any team buying Bent might well be a player plus cash deal, and in the shape of Andy Carroll, Liverpool might have the perfect answer. Rodgers clearly doesn't want the England striker on his books, having sanctioned a move to West Ham even before a replacement was brought in, and Carroll is likely to be disillusioned with life at Anfield after such a public admission that he is unwanted. So a deal involving Carroll and some cash (not a great deal probably) might be the best solution for both parties. It's just whether Villa would go for it: Carroll would certainly suit Villa's currently system, though whether he could play alongside the similarly robust Benteke remains to be seen. He would be a better option than Bent however, whose wages are reportedly a drain, especially for a player who occasionally fails to make the bench, and Carroll might see a fresh start in the Midlands as a suitable solution to his current situation. That is unless West Ham make a permanent offer, or former club Newcastle follow up on their own rumoured interest to make a bid. What do you think Liverpool fans? Should Brendan Rodgers shell out for Darren Bent, or is close to £18million too much for a striker who is currently out of favour with his boss at Aston Villa? Share your thoughts below.