Manchester City and Aston Villa are the latest Premiership clubs to be linked by tabloids to Town striker Darren Bent. The frontman seems certain to leave the club for the top flight this summer, with the Blues keen to cash-in on him while he still has a year left on his contract.

Charlton, who had a £3 million bid turned down last summer, are also reported to be showing renewed interest in the England U21 international, who revealed to TWTD back in December that he would have to consider whether to leave Portman Road if Town failed to win promotion to the Premiership.

Manchester City were previously linked during the January transfer window, while Villa were reported to be interested back in November.

Birmingham City and Sunderland have also been mentioned in connection with the 21-year-old in the last couple of weeks. Everton were said to be another interested party ahead of the last transfer window.

While Bent's departure very much looks on the cards, it increasingly appears that Pablo Couñago will somewhat surprisingly stay a Town player.

Reports today suggest the Spaniard will remain at the club, despite his much publicised spat with boss Joe Royle.

Couñago said yesterday that he would be happy to take a pay-cut to extend his time at Portman Road.

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