Newcastle United are set to pursue Aston Villa's Darren Bent according to reports.
The Daily Mail suggests that Magpies boss Alan Pardew is ready to make a surprise move for Bent who spent last season on loan with Fulham.
Bent does not feature in the plans of Villa's Paul Lambert and it is expected that he will be offloaded in the summer after scoring just three goals in 24 Premier League appearances for the relegated Cottagers.
Newcastle are bracing themselves for the departure of QPR loanee Loic Remy, who is expected to sign for a bigger club, and Pardew wants a proven striker to provide depth.
Toon fans may be shocked by the possible pursuit given that former England international Bent spent 18 months with Tyne-Wear derby rivals Sunderland between 2009 and 2011.
