Bent hands in transfer request

Striker Darren Bent has stunned Sunderland by handing in a transfer request.Press Association Sport understands the 26-year-old has asked to leave the club he joined for an initial £10million during the summer of 2009 amid speculation that Aston Villa have tabled an £18million bid.The Black Cats, who have not confirmed Bent's request, are believed not to have accepted it at this stage.