Newcastle United director of football Joe Kinnear will reportedly meet Darren Bent's representatives this week to discuss a transfer from Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old striker is expected to leave Villa Park this summer after being frozen out by manager Paul Lambert last season.
Kinnear is now closing in on a deal to bring the England international to St James' Park, according to The Times.
Meanwhile, Fulham are also believed to be still in the hunt to sign Bent before the start of the new campaign.
