Darren Bent 'ignoring Aston Villa transfer talk'

Gabby Agbonlahor today hailed Darren Bent's professionalism in the wake of constant speculation over his Aston Villa future as the end of the transfer window edges closer.

Bent has been touted with a move away from Villa Park during January even though it is just 12 months since he became the club's £24m record signing from Sunderland.

The England international was strongly linked with a switch to Liverpool – something Villa boss Alex McLeish, chief executive Paul Faulkner and Bent himself all denied.

And despite the daily rumour mill, Agbonlahor claimed his fellow forward has not let the transfer talk affect his performance on the pitch.

"To be fair to Darren he's just got on with his football and got another goal last week so that's all he can do, concentrate on his games here," said Agbonlahor.

"I've not really given him any banter, no-one's really said anything about it. You see that many rumours about transfers that it's crazy.

"Lots of players are being linked with lots of clubs. If you listen to the rumours we'd be buying 10 players, but you just get on with your football.

"At Liverpool, with Luis Suarez being banned, maybe they're looking for another striker so top-quality players are going to be linked with them."

Agbonlahor is rarely the subject of any speculation and believes it is because of his reputation as a one-club player and the special bond he has with Villa.

"I think other clubs know how much I love playing for this club," explained the Brummie forward.

"I don't think there's ever been a bid in for me. They know this is a club I want to stay at."