Spanish reports linking Town striker Darren Bent with Atlético Madrid appear to be the work of a hoaxer. A Spanish newspaper reported yesterday that Bent was a potential Atlético target.

National newspapers here, as well as the Evening Star, were unsuccessfully targeted by the prankster earlier this month, who even called Town boss Joe Royle: "I had a call from someone claiming to be an agent acting on behalf of Atlético Madrid, saying that they wanted to buy Darren Bent and asking how much money we would want.

"But the person on the other end of the phone gave me his name and it was that of an agent I know well, so I knew straight away it wasn't for real.

"I let the guy go on for a few minutes but basically it's someone who clearly gets his kicks making things up and trying to get people to believe it.

"He had the front to ring me but I wasn't fooled. I just think it's a sad person who needs to get a life."

TWTD was sceptical when we saw the report, a move to Spain appearing unlikely at this stage of Bent's career.

The striker has said on several occasions that he wants to stay at Town, while the club have said they would not sell him unless they received an outrageous offer.

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