Breaking News: Bent Signs

[London Villan]

There aren't many clubs that could refuse £18m in cash...

[kippaxvilla2]

http://www.safc.com/news/20110117/darren-bent-club-statement_2256213_2269001

A comprehensive club statement from Sunderland AFC concerning the future of Darren Bent.

[Mazrim]

Is everyone else finding it nigh on impossible to get any work done today?

Ive written it off to be honest. I havent got a shagging thing done since 11.

[CJ]

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.

Couldn't agree more. Hopefully the speed and quality of the signings Houllier is making in his first transfer window - and let's remember January is supposed to be notoriously difficult to do quality business - will convince Ash to sign a new contract. And I can't understand why some posters are keen to get rid of Downing - he's been a bit powder puff at times but he was our best player in the first half of the season.  We need to keep players like Ash and Downing and get rid of the shirkers like Ireland and Carew, and the never-going-to-make-its like Osborne, Salifou and Beye, along with the already departed Sidders

As for Bent - I wanted him at Villa when 'Onest 'Enry thought his wife Sarrndra was a better striker than Bent, and I have got everything crossed that the deal will go through.  He is exactly what we need and if it's tied up I for one will take my hat off to Houllier.

[Stu]

Is everyone else finding it nigh on impossible to get any work done today?

Yes, and I need to finish this essay for tomorrow afternoon. I'm halfway through but just can't tear myself away from here.

[el león Benidorm]

Is everyone else finding it nigh on impossible to get any work done today?

Yep - I'm on deadline too 

[peter w]

http://www.safc.com/news/20110117/darren-bent-club-statement_2256213_2269001

A comprehensive club statement from Sunderland AFC concerning the future of Darren Bent.

Wow. Verbosity verbiage.

[Countryside Villain]

Well that clarrifies things, thanks SAFC.

[eastie]

Sky said earlier that offer was rejected but after bent found out and requested to leave , the Sunderland board have reluctantly accepted a bid of £18m rising to possibly £24m with add ons.

Hasn't been officially confirmed yet and after skys recent o neill story I wouldn't take it as gospel until villa or Sunderland release a statement.

[London Villan]

They should have put a sad smiley face on the end of it.

[peter w]

I'm just a lazy sod to be honest. When I'm at work I sit on tinternet and do feck all anyway. Today is the justification for the other 250 or so days in the year I wait for something to happen.

[darren woolley]

I think he is just the type of player we have been after for long time an out and out goalscorer i was over the moon when i heard the news i just hope the deal comes off.

[Toronto Villa]

Is everyone else finding it nigh on impossible to get any work done today?

Ive written it off to be honest. I havent got a shagging thing done since 11.

It's approaching 11am here. Apparently I have a presentation to make to my boss in 6 minutes. It's going to be a little tricky for the next 2 hours or so seeing as I've done fuck all in terms of preparation since I got to work. Wish me luck. Bastard Villa breaking their transfer record today.

[Maradona10]

True about the timing of that statement, Sunderland would have confirmed that they have rejected a bid.

[fbriai]

Is everyone else finding it nigh on impossible to get any work done today?

Ive written it off to be honest. I havent got a shagging thing done since 11.

Likewise. I was quite productive this morning, but, since lunch...