Aston Villa manager David O'Leary has denied any interest in Town striker Darren Bent. Yesterday a tabloid reported that the Irishman had made a bid for the England U21 international.

O'Leary says he is not interested in Bent, although he admits he is looking to strengthen his squad: "There's absolutely no truth in it. I say all along, if we are to move this club forward we need five quality players. I couldn't put a figure on it but we need five to take the squad up to 18 players."

Town boss Joe Royle has also denied that a bid has come in from Villa.

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