Stoke City target Darren Bent?

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis will reportedly let Peter Crouch and Kenwyne Jones leave the Britannia this week in order to fund a move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.

Pulis has told Crouch that he can leave if Queens Park Rangers match his valuation and will let Jones sign for Swansea before Thursday's transfer deadline if he can buy Bent.

The England international has endured a frustrating time at Villa under Paul Lambert and Pulis wants to take advantage to sign a player he admires, according to The Mirror.

Any move for Bent is entirely dependent on raising funds through the sales of Crouch and Jones, which means that the deal is far from certain.

The 28-year-old has scored five goals in 18 appearances for Villa this season.