Premier League star can take Newcastle United ‘to the next level’ - former Sunderland striker

Former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes Newcastle United could complete the ‘perfect’ signing if they move for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

The 36-times capped England star will head into the final 12 months of his current contract at Stamford Bridge this summer and talks over an extension are yet to reach a successful conclusion. Speculation over a surprise summer move away from the Blues has increased in recent weeks with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United said to be monitoring the situation.

Newcastle have also been strongly linked with a move for the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their midfield options in a bid to build on the progress they have made during the current season. Eddie Howe’s side are still in contention for a place in the Champions League and reached the Carabao Cup Final before suffering a 2-0 Wembley defeat against Manchester United last month - and former Sunderland striker Bent believes landing Mount would give the Magpies a chance to real the next level and challenge for major honours on a more regular basis in the coming years.

He told talkSPORT: “I’m surprised Newcastle aren’t heavily in for him. He’d be perfect for them. If you’re trying to get to the next level he’s exactly what you’re looking for. He’s young, he’s English, he’s an international, he’s played in big, big games, won big trophies, been a player of the year at his club.

“If you’re trying to build and attract players to your club, you don’t go and buy someone whose 28 or 29 that’s maybe in between whether ‘are they going to go on to the next level or are they going to start to fall away?’ He’s in his prime.”