Gerard Houllier defends his conduct over Bent transfer

Houllier stands by his conduct over the transfer of Darren Bent

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has defended his behaviour over striker Darren Bent's transfer from Sunderland.

"If we had done something wrong, I would say 'hands up', but we have behaved in a very proper way," he said.

Houllier was responding to Sunderland manager Steve Bruce's attack on him over his conduct during striker Bent's sale to Villa for a club record £18m.

The Frenchman also defended the fact that he had not contacted Bruce while the transfer was being conducted.

Houllier is adamant that Villa acted in a proper manner throughout.

He added: "I like Steve Bruce. I think he is a good manager. He is doing a good job. I think he was not too gracious to me but that's life. It is not going to prevent me from sleeping, I can tell you that.

"If I call Steve and say I want his player he will go vocal and go public and it will be even worse. He is working for the interests of Sunderland. I am working for the interests of Aston Villa.

"You contact a manager when you want a player on loan sometimes. A lot of fellow managers call me if they want loans.

"This is the life of football. It makes me laugh more than anything else. Am I bothered about what he said? I prefer not to answer that question."

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Bruce had complained about the lack of warning Houllier provided over the intended purchase of Bent.

The 26-year-old signed for Villa on Tuesday, just two days after handing in a transfer request.

"I'd have liked even a phone call from Mr Houllier, for whom I had the utmost respect," said Bruce.

"I would have thought that, out of respect, maybe he would have picked up the telephone to say, 'We are interested in buying your striker'."