Report: Darren Bent Targeted By Liverpool As Cure for Goal Scoring Woes

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Dec 29, 2011

Report: Darren Bent Targeted By Liverpool As Cure for Goal Scoring WoesDarren Bent's name has popped up on Liverpool's wish list for the coming transfer window.

The England international could be had for less than the £18 million ($27.8 million) Aston Villa paid for him last January, according to Click Liverpool.

"Liverpool have made an [inquiry] for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent … In spite of [Villa manager Alex] McLeish's doubt that 'anybody' could afford the club's record signing, the former Sunderland man will be allowed to leave for significantly less than his £24million valuation," the report reads.

"But Liverpool face competition from both Fulham and newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers."

The well-traveled Bent has struggled to repeat last season's feats for Aston Villa. After making the high-profile move from Sunderland, he scored nine goals in 17 games. This season he's scored five in 14 in the system implemented by new Villa manager Alex McLeish.

Liverpool contemplated making a move for him last January, but chose not to in the end.

The 27-year-old marksman has played in the Premier League for Ipswich, Charlton, Tottenham, Sunderland and Villa, and consistently scored at each stop.

Bent could prove to be a valuable addition to the Liverpool squad if he adapts to its style of play. He could see the club's quest for a top-four finish and its European ambitions as a suitable professional challenge for a player of his stature.

Fulham would have a hard time funding a move for him. QPR can afford his fee, but it seems unlikely he would join a club that would likely battle relegation on an annual basis.

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Photo via Flickr/blog-idman-yurdu

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