Has Bent to Stoke got legs?

Rumours are growing that Stoke City may come in to swoop Darren Bent up before the transfer window closes.

Awash with Bet365 cash, it's likely that The Potters would be able to stump up the funds to take the goal machine up the M6, though they are unlikely to pay the sort of money Gerard Houllier invested in the player just two years ago. Rumours of a swap deal featuring Kenwyne Jones would seem to be at odds with Lambert's build for the future policy.

Bent has struggled to get into the Villa starting eleven this season and has even been omitted from the bench on several occasions. Though he made a rare Premier League start in last night's match with Newcastle, his lacklustre performance led to his half time substitution and his Villa Park days look numbered.

The deal could hinge on the success of QPR's move for ex-Villa striker Peter Crouch, with Harry Redknapp last night candidly admitting that he'd love to be reunited with lanky forward.