Sunderland are preparing to test Tottenham's resolve to hang on to Darren Bent by making a £12million bid for the striker

Manager Roy Keane has targeted the 24-year-old because his main forward, Kenwyne Jones, could be out until Christmas with a knee injury.

Sunderland have already been in contact with Spurs to check on Bent's availability and are now about to get in touch again with a firm offer.

Tottenham are not looking to sell the England star, but will let him go if a club meets their asking price.

That means Sunderland may have to pay more than they are preparing to offer as Spurs agreed a deal worth £16.5m with Charlton one year ago.

Chairman Daniel Levy is determined not to make a loss on Bent, who scored just six League goals last season. Meanwhile, Newcastle have had a £2m bid for Tottenham right-back Pascal Chimbonda turned down despite the Frenchman's desire to leave the club.

Defender Ricardo Rocha, who joined Spurs from Benfica for £3.3m last year, is in Portugal to secure his move away from north London. Rocha has started just 13 League games since January 2007 and looks set to return to Benfica for around £1.8m.