Fulham to rival Newcastle United for Darren Bent?

Fulham are to rival Newcastle United's bid to sign Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, according to a report.

The England international has stated that he needs to go to a new club this summer after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Villa Park last season.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew admitted that he was interested in the 29-year-old, but will now face competition from the Cottagers after new owner Shahid Khan gave Martin Jol permission to secure a £5m deal for the striker, reports The People.

Bent move to Villa in January 2011 in a reported £24m move from Sunderland.