Sunderland Accept £24 Million For Bent

Sunderland have been dealt a blow after talisman Darren Bent has handed in a transfer request with Aston Villa waiting in the wings to sign him.


A deal that could be worth up to £24 million has been tabled for the England striker as early as Sunday, but it has yet to be accepted by the club.


The England striker handed his request after the Wear-Tyne derby yesterday and the news has rocked Sunderland fans across Wearside.


Bent, 26, has flourished under Steve Bruce`s reign since arriving at Sunderland in the summer of 2009, scoring 36 goals in 63 appearances and has become cult hero since.


But a poor run of form has seen the striker only score 11 goals so far this season after he scored 24 goals in his first season at the club, including an international goal.


The club has released an official statement this afternoon and confirmed Bent will be leaving.


SAFC said, “The club can confirm that it received a written transfer from Darren Bent following yesterday’s Wear-Tyne derby match.”


The latest news broke by the Telegraph suggests Bent will agree personal terms and undergo his medical as soon as tomorrow.