Transfer talks between Liverpool and Aston Villa appear to be ongoing but claims that their striker Darren Bent was underdoing a medical at Melwood late last night are untrue.

KOPTALK has been aware of communication for some time between both clubs but we have been unable to confirm or deny that Bent was at the centre of these talks. The media have been reporting that such communication has been in relation to Darren Bent - which it does point to - but our sources haven't been over enthusiastic - although that could be because of the numbers quoted.

While interest in the player looks genuine (because of the amount of speculation circulating) club sources insist that the figures reported in the press "are not what Liverpool would be prepared to pay" for such a target. If the reported valuations could be negotiated down then Liverpool may be prepared to do business. But it's worth pointing out that Villa are a bad club to negotiate with.

When we first heard of talks between the two clubs, we assumed that midfielder Gary Gardner (19) would be the one attracting interest. Liverpool scouts have been watching him for some time but all chatter out there at the moment focuses on Bent.

Villa boss Alex McLeish insists that there has been no approach from Anfield for Bent. Speaking today he said: "We've heard stories saying this one and that one is going to try and buy him but, if we say he's not for sale, then he's not for sale and there's been nobody in contact.

"Honestly, we've not heard a thing from Liverpool. I'm aware of the speculation but there has been no contact with this club and I think you have had three parties telling you that.

"You never know in this world but, at the moment, absolutely no contact.

"And, even if there was, we wouldn't want to entertain selling our top scorer of last season. The club stance is we won't sell him."

A valuable and proven source posted on our members website earlier this week that both clubs have been in talks. Some of what they said included: "There has been communication between Liverpool and Aston Villa... Comolli is a chancer though so don't be surprised if you hear of a cheeky (well under valuation) bid for Bent... I expect us to step up interest in strikers in Europe over the next week or so. Comolli will travel soon. That I can guarantee. He may even fly from Newcastle...". The same source also spoke of a meeting between Comolli and Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay.

We believe that Comolli has been active in Holland this week having registered an interest in Jan Vertonghen and Luuk De Jong.

* Why did Damien Comolli meet Ron Gourlay? 

======

KOPTALK hasn't been on form since July due to a serious illness in the KOPTALK family. The editor's mother is critically ill in hospital and this is naturally having an effect on our performance. The rest of the team is here as normal but without the 'Big Man' barking instructions and sparking a few debates, the place isn't the same. Most of you are aware of this. Thanks for your kind words of support and patience.