Phillips, 37, who now plays for Birmingham, spent six years on Wearside from 1997 to 2003.
"I'm very surprised. If you are asking me, I think it just boils down to pure money," Phillips told BBC Radio 5 live.
Bent's transfer request was confirmed by Sunderland on Monday, with Aston Villa reportedly keen to sign him.
With the transfer window only open for another two weeks, Villa are believed to have backed under-pressure manager Gerard Houllier with an £18m offer for the 26-year-old England forward.
Bent has been a key figure in Sunderland's climb to sixth in the Premier League table, scoring eight of their 24 goals this season.
However, he has only found the net twice in his last nine appearances and Phillips believes he could face criticism from fans if they conclude his recent dry run is connected to his desire for a move.
"I speak to people who go to games week in week out and he hasn't performed in the last three or four games," said Phillips.
"They have been a little bit disappointed with him and now this is coming out they are probably putting two and two together.
"I feel sorry for (manager) Steve Bruce. They are putting together a fantastic squad and want to keep their best players."
Bent began his career at Ipswich but left for Charlton in
However, he has only found the net twice in his last nine appearances and Phillips believes he could face criticism from fans if they conclude his recent dry run is connected to his desire for a move.
"I speak to people who go to games week in week out and he hasn't performed in the last three or four games," said Phillips.
"They have been a little bit disappointed with him and now this is coming out they are probably putting two and two together.
"I feel sorry for (manager) Steve Bruce. They are putting together a fantastic squad and want to keep their best players."
Bent began his career at Ipswich but left for Charlton in
After scoring 31 goals in 68 league appearances for an Addicks side relegated from the Premier League in his final season,
His departure from White Hart Lane to Sunderland for £10m in August 2009 was also less than straightforward.
The move was concluded after Bent criticised Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for pursuing negotiations with Hull and Stoke,
Story from BBC SPORT
The move was concluded after Bent criticised Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for pursuing negotiations with Hull and Stoke,
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