SOCCER:GERARD HOULLIER has accused Steve Bruce of a xenophobic attack as the row between Aston Villa and Sunderland over Darren Bent's transfer becomes increasingly bitter.

The Villa manager reeled off a number of complaints, which included implying that Sunderland had lied about the way the transfer unfolded. Houllier disputed Bruce’s interpretation of events and said there was regular dialogue between the clubs’ chairmen over the past two weeks.

The Frenchman, who was branded disrespectful by the Sunderland manager for not calling him to discuss Bent, absolved himself, and anyone else at Villa, of any blame in relation to their pursuit of the striker.

He accused Sunderland of being ungracious in their handling of the transfer and said that if officials at the Stadium of Light were unhappy with Villa’s conduct they should have made an official complaint.

It is, however, Houllier’s claim that Bruce rounded on him on the basis that he is French that will raise eyebrows within the football world.

“Don’t worry, I’m a foreign manager. I’m an easy target. I am French. With another manager I am sure it would be different,” Houllier said.

The Villa manager also suggested Sunderland are being economical with the truth in relation to Bent’s transfer, to save face with the club’s supporters because of the disappointment felt on Wearside at the departure of their leading scorer.

“I thought: ‘Hang on a second, why is he (Bruce) having a go at me?’ Is he trying to protect himself from his fans?”

Sunderland have claimed they had little option to sell because Bent submitted a transfer request, but Houllier suggested they could have done more to put up a fight if they really wanted to keep him.

“If I want to buy your house and you don’t want to sell, you just say no, whatever the price,” he said. “But if you don’t say no, and accept the bid, what can you do?”