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Bent and Dzeko go head to head

Manchester City and Aston Villa have signed prolific strikers and their contrasting approaches will be fascinating to watchDarren Bent and Edin Dzeko have much in common. Quite apart from the enormous transfer fees that they have just commanded, the two strikers have outstanding goals-per-game...

Through football's looking-glass darkly

Not every January window signing is a flop, but the scope for panic buying such as Aston Villa's recruitment of Darren Bent is seemingly endlessFor normal folk, window shopping costs nothing, it is spending in the mind, while the January sales are an opportunity to hunt for bargains. But in the...

Houllier hits back at Bent criticisms

??? Villa manager returns fire over controversial transfer??? 63-year-old says he is an 'easy target' because he is FrenchG??rard Houllier has accused Steve Bruce of a xenophobic attack as the row between Aston Villa and Sunderland over Darren Bent's acrimonious transfer becomes increasingly...

Scouting report: How Darren Bent and Edin Dzeko measure up

A football scout runs the rule over the new strikers at Manchester City and Aston VillaFinishingBent 7 Often arrives at goalscoring opportunities at the end of strenuous runs, be it after outpacing a defender with the ball at his feet or pulling away from his marker to, ideally, slot home a cross...

Managers are ganging up on me – Houllier

The seemingly endless war of words between Aston Villa and Sunderland over the transfer of Darren Bent took yet another twist last night after Gérard Houllier retaliated to condemnation from Steve Bruce by accusing English managers of ganging up on him.

Carew hopeful of prolonging stay

John Carew has not ruled moving to Stoke on a permanent basis, after completing a loan move from Aston Villa yesterday.

Lee Dixon: I can't see how Bent's Villa move makes any sense – unless you mention money

When Darren Bent was unveiled as an Aston Villa player this week, he said he had joined a big club where he would have the chance to enhance his England career. I don't understand that at all.

Aston Villa v Manchester City: what they are saying about Aston Villa's new £24m striker Darren Bent

Former colleagues are full of praise for Aston Villa's new striker Darren Bent.