Bent has reportedly held talks with boss Paul Lambert over his position in the side, although Villa deny the pair have had a falling out.
But since Lambert arrived from Norwich over the summer, the £18milllion signing from Sunderland has found himself out of favour at Villa Park - first being replaced as captain by Ron Vlaar and then playing second fiddle to new arrival Christian Benteke.
The Midlands outfit are thought to be willing to let the 28-year-old leave the club in January, with their payments to Sunderland set to rise to £24million as his stay continues.
Both Liverpool and struggling QPR are believed to be interested in making a move for the front man, with the Reds in desperate need of reinforcements and Rangers owner Tony Fernandes a long-term admirer of Bent.
Liverpool have only Luis Suarez to call on up front, after allowing Andy Carroll to join West Ham on a season-long loan and seeing summer arrival Fabio Borini fracture his foot on international duty last week.