FULHAM are also closing in on long-time target Darren Bent .

The Whites have been in a tug-of-war with Newcastle United for the out-of-favour Aston Villa frontman.

Bent is desperate to leave Villa Park and is available for around £6million, with the Midlanders prepared to take a massive loss on the £24m they splashed out in 2011.

He said: "As much as I’ve enjoyed my time at Aston Villa, it is about playing games.

"At my age I can’t have another season like this one because time is running out."

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