BLACKBURN Rovers are considering attempting to hijack Sunderland’s protracted move for Tottenham’s Darren Bent as they continue their search for a ‘proven Premier League’ striker.

With around £13million in his transfer kitty, Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is contemplating making a move for the unsettled Bent in the belief he fits the bill as a worthy Roque Santa Cruz replacement.

Rovers are yet to launch an official bid for the former Charlton man but are aware of his situation and are poised to swoop should Sunderland continue to delay their efforts in the transfer market.

Steve Bruce’s Sunderland remain favourites to land Bent, with new owner Ellis Short bolstering their financial clout, but sources from the north east club have indicated they remain reluctant to provide Spurs with immediate cash flow.

Both clubs have Manchester City’s Richard Dunne, Portsmouth’s Peter Crouch and Paraguayan defender Paulo Da Silva in their sights but Spurs are understood to need the money from Bent’s transfer to step up their hunt for fresh blood.

Sunderland therefore are reluctant to boost their rivals’ coffers, leaving Rovers the chance to step in and take advantage of their continued stalling.

With Bent seemingly not set to figure in Harry Redknapp’s plans next season at White Hart Lane, he remains keen on a fresh start and is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated at the current inactivity.

Sunderland were understood to have been close to an £8million deal for Bent last season and it is believed that figure again would be enough to capture the services of the England striker.

Rovers would not be prepared to enter a bidding war with Bruce’s Sunderland though, knowing the Wearsiders have vast financial resources, but are monitoring the situation closely.

Should Allardyce’s Bent chase prove fruitless, he may be forced to turn his attention to the foreign market and a list of potential targets he has already drawn up.