Aston Villa have confirmed that Darren Bent has joined Fulham on a season-long loan.

The England international has been linked with a number of clubs this summer but it is Fulham who have beaten off competition from Newcastle United to win the race to secure his services.

Fulham manager Martin Jol told the club's 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."

Bent, who joined Villa for £18m from Sunderland in 2011, found first-team opportunities limited last season due to Christian Benteke's form.

The 29-year-old is in contention for tomorrow's Premier League opener against Sunderland tomorrow afternoon.