Sunderland FC

• Founded:1879
• Manager:Steve Bruce

• Ground:Stadium Of Light
• Capacity:49000

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Last Game: 11-Feb-2012 15:00

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Bruce faces Bent competition

29 Jul 2009 - 08:32:47

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Aston Villa and Hull City could hijack Darren Bent's proposed transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Sunderland.

The former Charlton Athletic striker was set to travel to China with the rest of the Spurs squad on Monday but got off the plane when it was confirmed that Harry Redknapp had signed Peter Crouch and he was free to join Sunderland.

The Black Cats were hoping to announce the signing of Bent on Wednesday but now face last-minute competition for his signature.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn had earlier said that he was hoping to spend more of American owner Ellis Short's money before the start of the Premier League season next month.

He said: "We're busy exploring a number of options at the moment and hopefully one or two of those will come off in the near future.

"We're looking in a number of areas. I'd love to say more, but I'd be pretty confident that there will be something else to come yet.

"Ellis has been superb. He's backed us but he expects us to be diligent in the transfer market and we'll try to do that.

"Ellis is eager to get us set up in the best position possible, although it's not easy as we have to protect the club's interests at all times.

"We aren't interested in getting caught up in some of the crazy stuff going on in the transfer market at the moment.

"Instead we'll make good, sterling signings who will add to the team and who are at the right age. Ellis is 100 per cent behind us and doesn't interfere - he just gives us the money!"