Darren Bent makes Brighton & Hove Albion loan switch

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has joined Brighton & Hove Albion on an initial one-month loan deal.

The 30-year-old cost Villa a club-record fee of £24m from Sunderland in 2011, but he has struggled for first-team action in recent years.

Bent has made eight appearances for Villa this season, with the majority of those coming as a substitute.

Brighton boss Sami Hyypia told the club's official website: "His record speaks for itself. He is a top-class striker with a more than 100 Premier League goals. He wants to play regular games and that is evident in his willingness to step down from the Premier League."

Brighton are currently above the relegation zone on goal difference in the Championship table and they return to action on Saturday when they host Fulham.