Alex McLeish: Darren Bent "won't be leaving" Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has said that Darren Bent "wont't be leaving" the club this winter.

The Villans striker has been linked with a move to Anfield – where he would reunite up with former teammate and fellow England international Stewart Downing – following Luis Suarez's suspension.

"He won't be leaving," McLeish told reporters following the striker's substitute appearance and goal against Chelsea last week.

Bent arrived at Aston Villa from the Stadium of Light in a £24m deal almost 12 months ago.