Town boss Joe Royle has denied that the Blues have received a bid from Aston Villa for striker Darren Bent, as reported in a tabloid yesterday. However, Royle has not commented on potential interest in the England U21 from Villa, Everton or summer bidders Charlton when the transfer window opens.

Royle says he saw the report regarding a Villa bid but says there is no truth in it: "I read in a newspaper that Villa have made a bid for Darren but it's poppycock.

"We have received no bids for him from any clubs since Charlton's offer
was turned down in August and we're not looking for any either.

"All we want to concentrate on is winning games and getting into the New Year either still second or on top of the league. As I said the other day, we're after Wigan."

Town are very keen to hold on to Bent, as they illustrated when they turned down Charlton's £3 million bid in the summer. However, with the frontman's stock rising after an impressive start to the season with the Blues and the England U21 side, there is almost certain to be further Premiership interest in January.

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