Newly promoted Premier League side Hull City are planning to hijack Newcastle's move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, according to the
Mirror. Tigers manager Steve Bruce has been searching for a proven goalscorer to help beef up his side's attack ever since promotion from the Championship was secured two months ago, and has been linked with a raft of forwards such as Celtic's Gary Hooper, Charlie Austin of Burnley, Wigan star Arouna Kone, Reading's Adam Le Fondre and ex-Bolton hit-man Johan Elmander. And news that the ex-Sunderland manager has made Bent his latest transfer target will clearly alarm Magpies manager Alan Pardew, who is still looking to buy in a proven replacement for Demba Ba, who left the club for Chelsea back in January. Yet he could miss out on his man with the North East club unprepared to match Villa's £6 million asking price due to their concerns that the 29-year old has no resale value. Crucially, Hull would be prepared to come up with the cash in order for Bruce to be reunited with his former player. A source insisted:
"Hull certainly wouldn't baulk at meeting Villa's asking price for Darren. When Steve Bruce was appointed Sunderland manager four years ago, he made Bent his first signing and he rates him very highly."
Villa splashed out £24 million to sign the former England striker from Sunderland just 29 months ago, and the source added Bruce was saddened to see the forward leave.
"Steve was bitterly disappointed when Darren decided to leave Wearside for Villa because he really felt the club and player were perfect for each other and could go places together. "Hull know they need to boost their fire-power going into the top flight, and Brucey would love to bring Darren to Humberside."
With Pardew missing out on French striker Loic Remy in January, is he set for more disappointment in the striker department this summer?