Darren Bent is clear for a move to Newcastle, after Fulham pulled out of a deal for Aston Villa’s forgotten striker. Bent, 29, has been completely left out of Paul Lambert’s plans out Villa and desperately wants to leave this summer. Newcastle could snap him up for just $8 million but his huge $120,000 wages are the stumbling block in any deal. On his day, Bent is a cool customer who can finish. He felt out with Lambert at Villa but the Midlands side paid Sunderland a club record $36 million in January 2011 and has scored 25 goals in 64 games since. But Bent scored just six times in 23 appearances, mostly from the bench, last year. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew knows Bent from his days at Charlton and with Papiss Cisse looking for a move away from St. James’ Park, Bent would be a cheap and decent replacement.
Tottenham Hotspur are locked into a battle with Valencia, with Spanish striker Roberto Soldado in the middle. Spurs have been chasing the Spanish international, but have had several bids rejected by Valencia. And now the Spanish side have give Tottenham an ultimatum as they must reach Soldado’s release clause of $40 million. Your move, Spurs. So does Andre Villas-Boas need a new striker? Yes. And the 28-year-old predatory forward is what they need, he would finish the many chances Spurs create with aplomb. Now Tottenham just need to put their money where their mouth is.
West Ham want Loic Remy as Championship side Queens Park Rangers look to get the French international off the wage bill. The former Marseille striker was one of the bright spots in QPR’s dismal Premier League campaign last year, as Remy’s January arrival and subsequent goals gave them some hope of survival. But now Sam Allardyce wants to bolster his attack further, and the Hammers could grab Remy for just $12 million, and can afford his $100,000 a week wages. He scored six goals in 14 games for QPR last season and in a better team he would definitely scored more. Should West Ham link him up with Andy Carroll in a new striker partnership?
Sunderland’s versatile player Craig Gardner could be heading to West Bromwich Albion, with the Midlands club contemplating a $3.5 million deal for the former Aston Villa man. Gardner excelled at right back last season, but Paolo Di Canio has added extensively to his squad this summer and Gardner may be one of the casualties. Gardner, 26, may fancy a return to the West Midlands after playing for Villa for several seasons. He could do a great job in a variety of positions for the Baggies and would be a bargain. You know Gardner will give his all and can whip in a great cross and is a dead ball specialist. This move could suit everyone.
Arsenal may finally sell striker Gervinho, after the Ivory Coast international has failed to impress during his time at the Emirates. The languid forward has often been deployed out wide to varying degrees of success, and as Arsenal try to strengthen up front, it seems as though Gervinho’s days with the Gunners are numbered. The 26-year-old hasn’t traveled with Arsenal on their preseason tour of Asia, which is a huge indicator on his future. Lyon are also interested, but Roma could buy him for $12 million.
MORE: Tuesday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup, Bernard to Arsenal, Nani to Monaco
