... that was BEFORE the arrival of Joe Kinnear.
And since then Alan Pardew's wish-list has gone on the fire.
Aston Villa confirmed today that they have not yet had any enquiries over Bent.
They are willing to sell the former England striker for £8million, and apparently Newcastle were top of the sides "interested".
But so far Villa have heard nothing.
Bent, 29, is their record signing as he cost £18m plus add-ons when he joined in 2011.
But last season the forward started just 12 matches, and boss Paul Lambert has no plans for him as a regular first teamer next term.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES:
Motherwell (A) July 16
Rio Ave (A) July 20
Pacos Ferreira (A) July 23
Blackpool (A) July 29
St Mirren (A) July 31
Braga (H) August 10
WE TELL IT AS IT IS - NO BULLSHIT!
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