Ha ha ha FORMER Sunderland striker Darren Bent is free to leave Aston Villa this summer, according to reports today. Bent marked only his second Premier League start of 2013 with a goal in Villaâs final day draw at Wigan last weekend after finding himself confined to the fringes this season. Villa boss Paul Lambert is said to be prepared to allow the 29-year-old to leave the club, who has two years remaining on a contract worth around £65,000 a week. But Villa will have a thankless task in attempting to recoup anywhere near the £24million they paid Sunderland for the England international in January 2011.
Strange one this, I assume Benteke must be staying on at Villa if they can afford to lose Bent. Yet stories are emerging that Benteke has hinted at a move away from Villa this summer. I would be one of a few who would be happy to see Bent back playing for us.
After my bitterness died down, i now realise that he is exactly what we need. I don't like it, but, he's a footballer and nothing more than a mercenary with a given talent. He left us in the lurch bigtime, but could redeem himself... I'm torn here, but if pushed, i'd say yes.
He should get a good pay off from Villa. His next pay packet won't get anywhere near £65k. I think Bruce will take him to Hull.
To be honest, if he came back and played well I'd be happy for him and the team. I just don't like the thought we'd be rewarding him in the late stage of his career by giving him another chance to line his pockets. On the plus side, Lambert reckons Benteke is worth £24m, so that's Bent's fee owed to us sorted!
There's no way I'd have him back after the way he treat our club and fans after we picked him up off the scrap heap at Spurs. We very nearly got relegated, when he decided he wanted to be off less than a week before the end of the window. I'm still bitter about his snidey comments about being starstruck in Villas dressing room aswell!
Don't think he would get PDC's passionate criticism or his 'in-your-face' motivational confrontations. He'd cry off in a girlie huff, I reckon !
