Darren Bent is wanted by Newcastle United (Picture: Getty Images)

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has set his sights on Aston Villa outcast Darren Bent.

The Magpies chief is desperate to land a striker this summer to replace Loic Remy, who looks set to join Arsenal.

Pardew had hoped to keep Remy, who enjoyed a fine season on Tyneside on-loan from QPR and notched 14 league goals in 24 starts.

Newcastle United’s Loic Remy wants to play Champions League football next season (Picture: AP Photo)

But Arsenal’s interest scuppered those plans, with the Frenchman revealing his desire of playing Champions League football.


Pardew has previously tried to sign Bent on two occasions and reckons he can get the best out of the 30-year-old who has been told he can leave Aston Villa by boss Paul Lambert.

The former England striker cost Villa £24m in 2011 and, despite scoring 21 league goals in 54 outings, spent last season out on loan at relegated Fulham.