Darren Bent in shock £24million move

Darren Bent is reportedly on the verge of a surprise move to Aston Villa. The Sunderland manager, Steve Bruce, and the chairman, Niall Quinn, are said to have accepted an £18m bid for the striker last night. The fee could rise to as much as £24m, which would be a transfer record for Villa.

Bent was believed to be in the Midlands today talking to Gérard Houllier, in what would be a big coup for the under-fire Villa manager. The side are fourth from bottom in the Premier League, outside of the relegation zone only by virtue of goals scored.

But the move could see Sunderland, currently sixth in the table and surprise contenders for a European spot, facing a fans' backlash for letting the 26-year-old England international depart.

Bent has scored 36 goals in 62 games since joining the club in a £10m deal from Tottenham Hotspur in 2009 and has netted 11 times this season.