Darren Bent
Darren Bent is being targeted by Newcastle United after a difficult season at Aston Villa. [Reuters]

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has asked new director of football Joe Kinnear to deliver his two top transfer targets this summer in Aston Villa striker Darren Bent and West Ham United defender James Tomkins.

The controversial new appointment by Newcastle has failed to adhere himself to supporters but will hope that he can have a major influence this summer as he looks to try and conclude a number of transfers.

Kinnear was said to have blocked a move for FC Twente centre-back Douglas but it seems he is more than happy to pursue Bent and Tomkins who have long been on Pardew's radar.

The Mirror reports that Kinnear sat down with chief scout Graham Carr and Pardew to discuss potential new arrivals and now simply wants to get on with his job following a difficult start to his life back at Newcastle.

Pardew feels that the side need another experienced striker and it seems Bent is viewed as the perfect addition. The England international struggled to gain a regular place in the Villa side last season under Paul Lambert due to the superb form of sole striker Christian Benteke.

Bent has reportedly been informed by Villa that he can look for a new club but Newcastle must now try and put together a deal that would be beneficial for both the club and the player.

James Tomkins
James Tomkins battles with QPR's Loic Remy. [Reuters]

While Bent scored just three league goals last season he enjoyed a much more successful time in the North East when he was at Sunderland; scoring 25 goals in all competitions back in the 2009/10 season.

While Bent struggled to make an impact last season, Tomkins excelled under Sam Allardyce at West Ham and is also high on the wanted list. The 24 year old played 24 league games last season and is believed to be rated at around £5m.

However, it is unclear whether the Hammers would allow one of their first team players to leave this summer as Allardyce is determined to build on a successful first season back in the top flight.

Much will now depend on the negotiating skills of Kinnear who will be looking to make a big impact at the club after an unceremonious arrival.