Villa defend approach made to Bent

ASTON VILLA yesterday strongly defended their conduct in the move that took Darren Bent from Sunderland to Villa Park. Bent’s switch to Villa was completed yesterday for an initial £18million three days after the striker put in a shock transfer request.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce yesterday claimed Bent had been unsettled and chairman Niall Quinn has revealed he feared three weeks ago that the 26-year-old had his mind elsewhere.

But Villa issued a strongly-worded statement today stressing that there had been no “inappropriate approach” to the player.

“We understand Sunderland FC’s need to explain to their naturally-disappointed supporters why Darren Bent has been allowed to leave their club,” read the Villa statement.

“It is disappointing, however, that Sunderland should try to besmirch the reputation of the player and Aston Villa FC in the process.

“We wish to make clear that at no time did Aston Villa make an inappropriate approach to the player or unfairly compromise the business of Sunderland Football Club.

“Darren only became aware of his possible transfer AFTER Sunderland’s game against Newcastle on Sunday and AFTER we had agreed with Sunderland the essence of the deal, which led quickly to Darren’s arrival at Villa Park on Tuesday.

“It is only because of some comments emanating from the Stadium of Light that we have felt compelled to respond and set the record straight.”