McLeish: Bent not for sale

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish insists any bid for striker Darren Bent from Liverpool will be rejected.

Villa have had a turbulent first-half to the Premier League season, and after Bent was recently spotted shopping during his side’s 2-0 defeat to the Anfield side in December, rumours began to circulate that the former Sunderland player may be set to exit the West Midlands club.

However, McLeish has now moved to rubbish speculation that the 27-year-old will make the switch to Liverpool in January, and suggested they will reject any bid for the forward.

“We’ve not heard a thing from Liverpool,” said McLeish told Sky Sports.

“I’m aware of the speculation. But there has been no contact with this club and I think you’ve had three parties telling you that.”

“But, even if there was contact, we would not entertain that (selling Bent).”

“We wouldn’t want to entertain selling our top scorer of last season. He is a prolific marksman.”

Bent has scored six Premier League goals this campaign despite suffering from injury niggles, and is believed to be keen to ensure his place in Fabio Capello’s England squad for Euro 2012.