Bent bid blank

ASTON VILLA have yet to receive a single offer for Darren Bent.

Boss Paul Lambert hopes to sell the striker but is waiting for a firm bid.

Newcastle are favourites to land ex-England striker Bent, who would be available for £8million.

But if there are no takers, Villa face the prospect of still having the player at the club for the start of the season — although he would be left in the reserves.

Bent, 29, has struggled under Lambert at Villa with the player’s attitude being questioned by senior club members.

His wages of £65,000-a-week has put some clubs off although he would have to take a pay cut to £50,000.

Fulham, Crystal Palace and Hull are also interested in the player. Yet the clubs are likely to hope the fee will drop towards the end of the August transfer window because Villa are so keen to sell him.

Bent joined Villa in 2011 for a club record fee of £18m.

Villa’s players return to training this week — but star man Christian Benteke will receive an extra week due to his international commitments at the end of the season with Belgium.