NEWCASTLE are shock candidates to snatch Darren Bent to
ease a potential striker crisis at the club.
Until now Tottenham have been favourites to sign the Charlton
marksman, with the two clubs haggling over the fee. Liverpool are
also in the running, but their prime target is believed to be
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.
Tottenham upped their bid from £12million to £14m earlier this week
for Bent but the Addicks say they will nothing less than
£17m.
Newcastle's interest - backed by billionaire Mike Ashley - will
strengthen Charlton's hand.
In recent days it had looked as though the relegated club were
about to relent in their impasse with Spurs over their valuation of
Bent.
Toon boss Sam Allardyce has lingering concerns over get-out clauses
in the contracts of both Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins.
Allardyce fears losing one or even both forwards before the end of
the transfer window.
Bent turned a £75,000-a-week, five-year deal to go to West Ham
earlier this month - after Upton Park chiefs had agreed a £17m fee
- insisting he is driven by ambition and not money. Newcastle can
match that ambition with Big Sam's sights set firmly on ending the
long wait for silverware at St James' Park.
Manchester City could also enter the running for Bent. City are
desperate for a string of big-name signings - and a striker in
particular - as the Eastlands club were the lowest scorers in the
Premiership last season.
