3. Darren Bent
The Aston Villa man has been on Newcastle manager Alan Pardew's wishlist for much of the summer and the former England international could complete his move to St James' Park by as early as the weekend, the
Daily Mail claimed earlier this week. Bent has been told by boss Paul Lambert that he can quit Villa Park, having featured in just 16 Premier League games last season, registering only three goals. Though the 29-year-old may be a controversial option - he signed for Villa from Newcastle's deadly rivals Sunderland two years ago - he would be a smart signing if he could rediscover the form he enjoyed at the Stadium of Light. There, he scored 36 times in 63 appearances between 2009-11, a goal-scoring haul that convinced Villa
to shell out £24 million for his services. The Midlands club are likely to take a massive hit on the player this summer by allowing him to leave for
as little as £5 million.