Newcastle’s Darren Bent deal collapses, Aston Villa striker scared off by Joe Kinnear

Newcastle’s attempts to sign Darren Bent have fallen through.

According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, the deal broke down after a meeting between Bent, his agent and Toon director of football Joe Kinnear when the former Wimbledon manager made it clear he would only be offering Aston Villa £2m for the England international.

The 29-year-old’s wage expectations were also way above what Newcastle were proposing to offer.

Fulham are now favourites to sign Bent. They have offered him double the salary on offer at St James’ Park and are now expected to return to Villa with a transfer bid that is close to their £6m valuation.

The Magpies will now attempt to resurrect their deal for Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis or secure a loan move for QPR’s Loic Remy.