Fulham have this morning confirmed the signing of Aston Villa striker Darren Bent on a season-long loan.

The 29 year-old striker, who had been expected to join newly-promoted Crystal Palace until yesterday morning, teams up with Martin Jol at Craven Cottage after the Dutchman had taken Bent from Charlton Athletic to Tottenham back in 2007. Bent has scored more than 100 top flight goals since joining the Addicks in 2005, but fell out of favour under Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert last season.

Jol was obviously delighted to get his man, telling the club’s official website:

Darren Bent is a striker I have always admired. He has shown in the Barclays Premier League that he is composed and clinical in front of goal but, even if he is not scoring, he is involved in some good link-up play, creating opportunities for his teammates. I’m delighted that he has joined us, he gives us pace up front and I am confident that he will add to our goals scored tally this season.

Having completed his move prior to the noon registration deadline, Bent could make his Fulham debut against former club Sunderland at the Stadium of Light tomorrow afternoon. He trained with his new team-mates for the first team this morning.