Aston Villa waiting for Firm Bid

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.