Newcastle United's talks with Aston Villa's Darren Bent collapse?

Newcastle United are reportedly close to pulling out of a deal to sign Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.

The Magpies are said to have been tracking the out-of-favour forward in recent weeks, with manager Alan Pardew keen to bring in a striker this summer.

Despite director of football Joe Kinnear holding talks with Bent's representatives, discussions have collapsed, according to ESPN.

Kinnear is said to be willing to offer only £2m to Villa for the frontman.