Bad boy Bentley is on Villa's radar

Villa were today considering offering shamed Spurs star David Bentley a chance to resurrect his faltering career - as Liverpool were warned off wing wonder James Milner.

Bentley's spell at White Hart Lane looks over just a year on from his £15m move from Blackburn to North London after crashing his car into a lamppost and being charged with drink driving in the early hours of Thursday.

Tottenham's asking price for Bentley - and Jermaine Jenas, another player Villa fancy - has so far been a long way from the claret and blues' valuation. However, boss Martin O'Neill's hand has been strengthened by this latest controversy to surround the former Arsenal player.

O'Neill will monitor events closely over the next fortnight with the England international due in court on August 28, three days before transfer deadline day.

And it is understood the Villa chief would demand a cut-price deal of around £5m to take Bentley off Spurs' hands.

One alternative would be a swap deal but one player Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would have no chance of landing is Ashley Young, with Villa unwilling to sell.

The same goes for striker John Carew, whom O'Neill described this week as "pivotal" to his plans.

However, Nigel Reo-Coker is another player Redknapp is keen on and, with his place in this season's midfield again looking uncertain, a return to his London roots and chance of regular first-team football could appeal to the former West Ham skipper.

But any move for Bentley would not open the door to man of the moment James Milner being allowed to go.

Morning reports claim Liverpool made a cheeky enquiry about the England winger, who made a big impression on his debut against Holland on Wednesday, only to be told to forget about the chance of a deal.

Meanwhile, O'Neill has told Marlon Harewood he will need to up his game if he wants more first-team chances this term.

He added: "I think Marlon believes he can go and score goals given the opportunity. You have to work for these opportunities."