Aston Villa agree deal to sign Darren Bent

Reports are emerging that Aston Villa have agreed a big-money fee for Sunderland striker Darren Bent.

The former Tottenham and Charlton striker has been in great form since moving to the North-East for £10 million in 2009, but he now looks set for a sensational £18m move to Villa Park.

The fee could potentially rise to £24m and Bent is said to have handed in a transfer request to push through a deal.

Full report to follow.