Premier League Transfer News: Darren Bent Moves to Aston Villa

Aston Villa has confirmed that a deal worth £24 million has been completed, bringing top English striker Darren Bent to Villa Park. Bent is on a reported contract until the summer of 2015, meaning the striker will be in his 10th year in the Premier League when the contract expires.

Due to the swiftness of the deal, Bent will be also available for this Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City. The Villa fans will see their club record signing wearing the No. 39 shirt. 

So, is Darren Bent worth the money? Yes.

Bent is, based on his goal record, the second best English striker in the Premier League since 2005, having scored an impressive 81 goals in his time with Charlton, Tottenham and Sunderland. He is just one goal behind Wayne Rooney on that list. Bent has scored goals wherever he has been, and it is likely that his career will flourish further in the hands of Gerard Houiller. 

Bent told the club's official website that "Aston Villa is a massive club and as soon as I knew they were interested in signing me I wanted to join," and he believes that "There are some top, top players here too, real quality, and I've been able to speak to the manager and the chairman about their ambitions for the club, so I'm very excited about being a part of what we hope to achieve."

The former Black Cats striker will look to thrive under the pressure of once again being a club's record signing, having previously been Sunderland's record signing in the summer of '09, before Asamoah Gyan came to the Stadium of Light.

This signing may yet prove to be the turning point in Aston Villa's poor season and will look to spur the club from their relegation troubles upwards through the Premier League table.