St James’ Park side lead race to sign Villa Park outcast.
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Newcastle United are leading the chase for Aston Villa wantaway striker Darren Bent, after London side Fulham pulled out as they failed to agree personal terms with the 29 year-old according to the Belfast Telegraph.
Fulham couldn’t talk Bent down from his £80,000-a-week wage demands, which were significantly higher than his demands for Newcastle as he does not favour a move to London.
The former England international is currently earning £80,000-a-week at Villa Park, but it is thought Alan Pardew may have talked him down to around £50,000-a-week.
In terms of the asking price, both clubs met the asking price – reported to be £5million – without interest from any other clubs.
It is widely reported that Magpies boss Alan Pardew is desperate to bring in at least two strikers to add depth to his weakened squad, that has lost 3 squad members already.
“I’m pushing Joe to get a transfer in. I think we need a boost now,” Pardew told the Chronicle following Tuesday night’s draw with Pacos de Ferreira.
“We are in a situation where we want to progress now. The team is in a good place.”
The Magpies boss went on to talk about the unclear future of veteran forward, Shola Ameobi, telling the Chronicle : “Shola is a player that is under contract here.”
“He’s not made any noises to me that he wants to leave. Certainly with my striker situation at the moment, I nee as many as I can get.”
Shola’s future appears as unclear as his team mate Papiss Cisse’s at the moment, but a signing is imminent. Who, and when, are the questions on everybody’s lips.