Breaking News: Bent Signs

[olaftab]

Pleased that we are in for a proven goal scorer however a little surprised  that we are paying £18m+. I am sure with Rene's  European knowledge we could have picked up a very good forward for far less than that however the problem there is that  that sort of players needs a season or so to adjust to the PL pace. So I assume the big money is for the fact that we are buying a finished artcle?

[kippaxvilla2]

It's the recycling of the James Milner money is it not. 

it is still real, actual money being spent - if we hadn't spent it, it'd be in the hands of our tightarse, won't-invest chairman.

Yes don't get me wrong, I wasn't having a go.  Just people saying we haven't got the money.  No one in the club ever actually came out and said we would not reinvest the Milner money - I genuinely always thought we would.  It was more a question of when and who was going to be trusted with it.

[Chris Harte]

So I assume the big money is for the fact that we are buying a finished artcle?

One would assume so. And, hopefully, if not a guarantee then a very good chance of many goals to follow.

[SaluteIanTaylor]

That's fine, but one thing we've seen so far is that when Gerard wants a player, more often than not he's got him.

I'm holding that against you Dave, meaning right now I get the Frosty-Jack on Ice!

[olaftab]

I know he has a great record in the prem but isn't he the penalty taker for them? Still a great signing if it comes through

His penalty taking style makes you crinje!

[Stu]

Looks like he wants to come - great news, talksport say maybe ashley young will go to finance the deal but if so , then I'd still be happy to get bent.

Ha ha haaaaaaa! They will literally say anything won't they? I've heard it all now.

[kippaxvilla2]

We don't need anyone to finance the deal.  We've just sold Steve Sidwell. :-)

[JuanPabloJesusAllahMoses]

Darren Bent
299 games 172 goals
£18m+ is good business, considering the prices some strikers move for, Adebayor (Man Citeh money and all that taken into account)...

[barrysleftfoot]

     2 things for me.

    1st........Albrighton/AYoungs/Downing crosses with Bent on the end of them.Should be very very exciting, an out and out goalscorer who plays on the shoulder,Something we have been lacking for a long time.

    2ns Gabby.....how does he react, where does he fit in?

   Overall i'm pleasantly surprised.No player swaps, money up front, a large fee, a key player.

    Well done Randy Lerner.

[Phil from the upper holte]

He'd definitely be a good signing for us, excellent news.

Where was this money for MON? I presume that's why he left?

Looks like Downing could be off as well, a good news day all round!

I hope he stays as he has been one of our steadier players.

UTV
The Doc

I agree, Downing has been great. Without his goals and assists we'd be in even more shit. Why are people so keen to ged rid of him???

I do not want to see Downing go at all, Is this part of the deal?

[Mouse Potato]

Meaning that I think that D Bent is a top top signing.  The Makoun, still unsure about yet another defensive CM.  Pires, move on and I'll him off with the Walker signing, that is top.  Ive just never seen a target like a Bent who I very admire go through.  Just not counting the chickens, etc.

Is it me or does that sound like Norman Collier?

[SteveD]

BBC Radio 5 live football correspondent Ian Dennis said he understood that the offer from Villa was put forward towards the end of last week. "I understand it was cash up front which is an enormous show of faith by Randy Lerner in Gerard Houllier," he said.

And hopefully that means Young and Downing stay put. The cost will be irrelevant if we stay up.

[Chris Harte]

I do not want to see Downing go at all, Is this part of the deal?

I've not seen any indication that Downing is going anywhere. BBC are saying the deal is cash up-front.

[peter w]

We've offered £18 million upfront rising to £24 million apparently.

It's official.

Football has gone mad.

Its official. FACT. The air is thick with regurgitated posting cliches.

[London Villan]

Gabby and Bent up front is pretty good to be honest.