Fulham are chasing Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.

The Daily Star Sunday says the outcast Aston Villa striker is set for talks with boss Paul Lambert in the next 48 hours and will be told he can leave the club.

Villa are desperate to offload their highest earner and shed his £65,000-a-week wages following Bent's season sat on the bench.

The club are aware of Fulham's interest and have fielded tentative calls about a deal as Martin Jol looks to beef up his squad for next season.

But any deal hinges on Villa being prepared to lower the £12million valuation they placed on the hitman, 29, in the January transfer window.