Premier League new-boys enter pole position in race for striker’s signature.
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Crystal Palace have become surprise leaders in the chase to secure the signature of Aston Villa striker Darren Bent according to The Mirror.
The former Sunderland, Tottenham and Charlton man looks set to leave Villa Park this summer after being frozen out of the club by Villa boss Paul Lambert.
Despite being the club’s record signing, Lambert feels there is no place for Bent in his squad and has forced the former England international to train with the reserves.
Bent feels he has been treated with disrespect and is keen to secure a move away from the club before the start of the new season.
Newcastle had been strongly linked with making a bid but that move now appears less likely after Lyon confirmed Newcastle have had a bid accepted for Bafetimbi Gomis.
Fulham have also been touted as potential destination for Bent but it appears that the Cottagers are unwilling to meet Villa’s £6 million asking price.
Palace have made tentative enquries about whether Bent would be willing to make the move to South London and are reportedly preparing an offer after receiving a positive response.
The signing would be somewhat of a coup for Palace and soften the blow of having lost Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United.