Aston Villa deny tapping up Darren Bent in move from Sunderland

Add to My Stories Aston Villa have angrily rejected allegations that their record 24m signing Darren Bent was at the centre of a tapping-up exercise following his move from Sunderland.
The club has issued a statement clarifying its part in the move for the England international amid confusing reports over why the forward was allowed to quit the Stadium of Light. Bent said the minute he heard about Villa's interest he was determined to seek pastures new.

First glimpse: Darren Bent (right) challenges Emile Heskey during his firstAston Villa training session since the England striker completed a sensational move to the Midlands club from Sunderland for 24m

But he said that it was made clear to him that the only way his move would be sanctioned was if he handed in a transfer request.
Villa are upset at the reaction of Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who suggested that the player's work-rate during training sessions had dropped during the past month. And the club has hit back, defending its stance.
The statement read: 'We understand Sunderland Football Club's need to explain to their naturally disappointed supporters why Darren Bent has been allowed to leave their club.

Villa thriller: New-boy Bent was paraded by boss Gerrard Houllier (left) after his switch

'It is disappointing, however, that Sunderland should try to besmirch the reputation of the player and Aston Villa Football Club 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.

Frustrated: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce'Darren only became aware of h! ispossib le transfer after Sunderland's game against Newcastle on Sundayand after we had agreed with Sunderland the essence of the deal whichled 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.'Bruce had launched astinging attack on Bent, accusing him ofcheating Sunderland fans andhis team-mates as the Englandstriker completed his record-breakingmove.
He said: Everyone has beennothing but supportive of Darren in histime at Sunderland but hes not beenhimself in training and weve not seenthe best of him in games in recentweeks and we now understand why.Its hugely disappointing that Darrenhas decided his future lies away fromSunderland and the players, our supportersand the club as a whole haveevery right to feel massively let down.'The timing is especially hard to take,given that we are progressing positivelyand are in a great position to push on.

More...

  • The Midlander: Villa fans don't doubt 64-carat owner Lerner... he DOES care
  • MARTIN SAMUEL: Darren Bent at 24m is mad, but more fun than common sense
  • Treachery! Raging Bruce vents his fury as Villa clinch 24m swoop for Bent
  • Darren Bent to Aston Villa: Is 24m the price of survival for Houllier's men?
  • Colin Young: Bent's fantasy deal brings Sunderland crashing back to earth


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