Fulham close to Darren Bent deal with Aston Villa

Fulham were today closing in on Darren Bent after reportedly lodging a £6m bid with Aston Villa.

Claims that the Cottagers had made a second bid earlier this week were wide of the mark, but they are believed to have returned now.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol is desperate to land a striker who can compete and partner last season's top scorer Dimitar Berbatov.

Villa are believed to be looking for between £6m and £8m for the England striker after he fell out of favour with boss Paul Lambert.

Newcastle were also linked with the 29-year-old but their interested has cooled.

Former Sunderland striker Bent was a peripheral figure for Aston Villa last season, mainly due to the impact made by Christian Benteke, who scored 23 goals.