Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway: 'Darren Bent was our player this morning'

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has revealed that the club's proposed deal for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent was scuppered by Fulham at the last minute.

The Eagles were in contention to sign the out-of-favour Villa striker, but reports emerged this morning claiming that the forward is on his way to Fulham for a medical.

"Fulham could wait a lot longer than we could so we've tried to force it, they've stepped in, took our deal," Holloway told BBC London 94.9. "I was told last night he was coming to us. I was told this morning he was coming to us.

"It's life. There are bigger sharks than us. My chairman's going to have to get used to that."

Bent is expected to join the Cottagers on a loan agreement.