Crystal Palace eye Darren Bent?

Aston Villa centre-forward Darren Bent has reportedly emerged as a transfer target of Crystal Palace.

The Eagles will play in the Premier League next season following their promotion via the Championship playoffs on Monday afternoon.

They will be without leading goalscorer Glenn Murray until Christmas because of a knee ligament injury, while attacker Wilfried Zaha has agreed a move to champions Manchester United.

That has prompted manager Ian Holloway to search for alternatives in the goalscoring department and he has identified 29-year-old Bent as an ideal signing, according to the Express & Star.

It is believed that Villa are prepared to part with the striker, but only if they receive a suitable offer.

Londoners Fulham are also thought to be keen to sign the England international, who cost Villa £24m when he joined from Sunderland in January 2011.