But sources in London claim the clubs have yet to come to agreement.

According to one national newspaper report today, the Spurs striker has already travelled to Wearside to discuss terms over the move.

The Daily Mirror says Bent is meeting with Black Cats boss Roy Keane over a deal the newspaper claims is worth £50,000 a week to the former Ipswich and Charlton forward.

Sunderland this morning stuck firm with their policy of refusing to comment on transfer speculation at a time when negotiations are taking place with a number of clubs and players.

But London contacts insist that the Bent deal is not as advanced as has been suggested and no fee has been agreed.

Keane nevertheless remains eager for the chance to talk to the speedy forward, who has not thrived at White Hart Lane and is available for sale.

While the fee has not been settled, the Echo understands that this should not be the sticking point.

One London source revealed that Bent is earning as much as £65,000 a
week with Tottenham and is unwilling to move north for much less.

The Bent story is rapidly turning into this summer's most intriguing transfer saga.

But it's no surprise that Sunderland want to keep their cards very close to their chest.

With Aston Villa and Celtic also in to mix – and the Wearsiders suffering the blow of losing star man Kenwyne Jones with a knee injury – going public now could put the Black Cats at a disadvantage.

Club insiders are also wary of raising fans' expectations about any transfer until they are confident the deal is done.