Bent joins Fulham on loan

London, England – Fulham announced Friday that the club has acquired striker Darren Bent on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa.

Bent was Villa's record signing when he arrived from Sunderland in January 2011 but he fell behind Christian Benteke in the pecking order for the Villans last season.

Fulham boss Martin Jol has a previous relationship with Bent as he signed the striker during managerial stint at Tottenham.

"Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired," Jol said. "He has shown in the Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his teammates.

"I'm delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals tally this season."

Bent, 29, scored six goals in 23 appearances for Villa last season.