Sunderland to offer record wages to Tottenham striker

The Sun reports that Wearside club, Sunderland, want to sign Darren Bent on a five-year deal that would see him earn ₤50,000-per-week.

Roy Keane was rumored to be in pursuit of the player about a week ago but according to the Sun, he has now intensified his efforts to bring the young English starlet to the Stadium of Light.

The deal, if it should occur, would be a ₤15,000 wage increase on the 24 year old’s current contract at Spurs and would make him the highest-paid player in Sunderland’s history.

The Black Cats boss will face stiff competition from Aston Villa, as Martin O’Neill has also expressed an interest in the England international.

However, the prospect of first-team football is much greater at the Stadium of Light given Kenwyne Jones’ long-term injury, while at Villa Park, he would have to compete with John Carew and Agbonlahor.

One impediment may be that Juande Ramos could try to block his departure if either Dimitar Berbatov or Robbie Keane, or both, leave in search of Champions League football.

[Source: The Sun]