Black Cats near Bent deal

Talks between Sunderland and Darren Bent are progressing today after the Tottenham striker was given permission to speak to the Black Cats about a potential club-record transfer.

The 25-year-old did not travel on Spurs’ pre-season trip to China yesterday as, after a deal was clinched for Portsmouth’s Peter Crouch, the former Charlton forward was allowed to remain at home to negotiate a move away from White Hart Lane.