Marc Albrighton urges Darren Bent to stay at Aston Villa

Marc Albrighton has admitted that it would be "sad" to see Darren Bent leave Aston Villa but is hopeful that the striker will remain at Villa Park.

The England international has been linked with a switch away from the Midlands this month, with Liverpool being touted as a potential destination.

"You don't want to see your best players leave," Albrighton told The Mirror "Darren is one of our best players.

"It would be sad if he left. We have got the players that can fill his boots if he did. Hopefully the gaffer will bring some players in but all of us want Darren to stay. 100 per cent."

While Villa boss Alex McLeish denied that the Reds were interested in the frontman, the imminent arrival of loan striker Robbie Keane has alerted fears that Bent may depart the club.