Newcastle United: Would you be happy to sign Darren Bent?
Alan Pardew has lost his star striker in Demba Ba, lost out to QPR in the fight to sign French forward Loic Remy and on Saturday lost their first home game ever against Reading.
That result has put Newcastle in real danger at the foot of the table and they now face a huge game next Tuesday against fellow strugglers Aston Villa, but could an out-of-favour Villa striker turn out to be the next Newcastle hero?
In the past few days there have been whispers that Alan Pardew may turn to former Sunderland striker Darren Bent in his search for a new striker, but would that be a popular choice among the Toon Army?
There's no question that Bent is a top striker. His record speaks for itself. However, something must have occured behind the scenes at Villa Park, as there is no way you would leave a striker of that calibre on the bench, especially when you are struggling for goals. Why else would Paul Lambert leave out an England international striker from his starting XI?
But Villa's loss could be Newcastle's gain. The Mags are crying out for a striker, someone who will put their head in where it hurts and take their chances when they present themselves. Shola Ameobi has never been a prolific striker while Papiss Cisse has failed to replicate his heroics of last season. Bent on the other hand is a predator. But he does have a major blot on his copy book . . . he once wore the red and white stripes of those down the road.
Newcastle and Sunderland are fierce rivals and players are technically branded for life by whichever club they choose to represent. There's no way he would be adored, as say a foreigner coming in fresh to the club. However, Newcastle are in no position to be choosey. They need someone to put the ball in the back of the net and Bent fits that bill perfectly. It may not be a popular decision by Pardew, but he must be used to having his judgement called into question by now.
Bent would cost a few bob but he knows the Premier League inside out, would need little time to adjust and could definitely fire the Mags up the table. But would you be happy with a former Black Cat leading your attack?
Calling all Newcastle fans: Would you be happy with the signature of Bent? Could he be the man to shoot you away front the drop zone? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
