EX-Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent has left Sunderland for Aston Villa in a move which could end up being worth �24 million.
Premier League strugglers Villa are forking out an initial �18million for Bent, who grew up in Ipswich, but additional add-ons mean the final figure could rise by another �6million.
The England striker could make his debut in Saturday evening’s home Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The four-and-a-half year deal was completed today after Bent agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
The 26-year-old moved from Tottenham to the Stadium Of Light 18 months ago.
He has scored 81 Premier League goals in the last five seasons - a figure only bettered by global superstars Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney, who have each netted 82.
Bent began his career with Ipswich a decade ago and also had a prolific spell with Charlton before a �16.5million switch to Tottenham in 2007.
He spent two years at White Hart Lane before moving to Sunderland during the summer of 2009.
In total he has scored 128 league goals in 308 appearances.
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