Bent completes loan switch to Craven Cottage.
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Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has joined Fulham on loan for the 2013/14 season, the club’s official site have confirmed.
Newly-promoted side Crystal Palace were also reportedly keen on signing the 29-year-old on loan, though rumours suggested Fulham had won the race for his signature due to making a £5million offer for a permanent move.
However, it has now been confirmed that Bent will join initially on loan, though a permanent move next season could be likely as the England international appears not to be in Paul Lambert’s plans at Villa Park.
Bent dropped down the pecking order under Lambert last season, with the former Norwich manager making the controversial choice to make young pair Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann first choice upfront for his side.
The former Sunderland striker had been Villa’s record signing when he moved for £24million from the Stadium of Light in 2011, and will now be hoping to get his career back on track at Craven Cottage.
Cottagers boss Martin Jol was delighted to seal the signing, saying: “Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired.
“He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his teammates.
“I’m delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season.”
Jol previously worked with Bent in their time together at Tottenham, and he will also be reunited with his former Spurs strike partner Dimitar Berbatov at Fulham this season.