But Villa will have to pay in excess of £20million if they want the striker.
The 26-year-old England international stunned Wearside on Monday when it emerged that he had submitted a written transfer request after Sunday's 1-1 derby draw with Newcastle.
Sunderland confirmed the move: "The club can confirm that it received a written transfer request from Darren Bent following yesterday's Wear-Tyne derby match."
However it's understood that the Black Cats have not yet accepted Bent's request, nor a bid of £18million from Aston Villa which reportedly could rise to as much as £24million.