Fulham have signed Aston Villa striker Darren Bent on a season-long loan deal.
The England international – who signed for Villa for £18million from Sunderland in 2011 – scored 25 goals in 64 appearances for Paul Lambert s side but fell out of favour last season due to the emergence of Belgian Christian Benteke at Villa Park.
He was previously linked with a move to Newcastle and Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace ahead of the start of the new campaign, but Fulham have now won the race for his signature.
Fulham manager Martin Jol, who signed Bent when Tottenham boss in 2007, is delighted to be reunited with the forward.
He said: Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired.
He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his team-mates.
I m delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season.
Bent s arrival will bolster Fulham s options in the attacking third, which include Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov and Colombian Hugo Rodallega.
He is likely to be rushed straight into Fulham s squad for their Premier League season opener against his former club Sunderland on Saturday.
