Darren Bent interested in St James’ Park move provided Alan Pardew remains Magpies manager.
Unwanted Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is keen on a move to Newcastle United – as long as Alan Pardew remains Toon boss, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The former Sunderland star has been effectively transfer listed by Villa, after manager Paul Lambert told the 29-year-old he was free to leave this summer.
Bent, who cost Villa in excess of £20m in 2011, was handed just eight Premier League starts last season, with Lambert favouring new signing Christian Benteke as a lone striker or in tandem with Gabby Agbonglahor.
Despite his history with Sunderland, Bent is interested in moving to St James’ Park but will seek assurances over Pardew’s future following the controversial appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football.
Bent has a good relationship with Pardew following their time together at Charlton Athletic but the England striker is aware that the manager could quit or be forced out.
Fulham are also interested in the former Tottenham forward but neither the Cottagers or the Magpies are willing to pay more than £6m for Bent.
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