Aston Villa are yet to hold serious talks for Tottenham midfielder David Bentley.
The Birmingham Mail says Villa have distanced themselves from claims made by Tottenham's Bentley that he was in transfer talks with them.
But Martin O'Neill is known to be a firm admirer of the winger and a deal cannot be ruled out at some stage.
Bentley's agents are thought to be playing a proactive game in trying to engineer a swift move to Villa Park.
The 24-year-old joined Spurs from Blackburn for a record £16 million last summer and after a wasted season is thought to be available at just over half that price.
But Villa have not spoken to the player, directly or indirectly, and have therefore not approached Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.