Aston Villa determined to keep Bent despite Liverpool interest
Published:Aston Villa fans haven’t exactly taken former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish to their collective heart and things could be about to get even worse for the Scot if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed.
According to several sources, Liverpool are preparing to open their cheque book yet again and make a January bid for striker Darren Bent.
Bent may be lacking the service of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing following their summer moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, but the striker has still chipped in with six goals in the league this season.
He may not be as prolific as last season when he hit nine goals in the 16 games he played for Villa following his £24million move from Sunderland but, with McLeish’s Villa side currently 13th in the table following their dreadful 2-0 defeat against Swansea City at Villa Park on Monday, the departure of Bent could see Villa sucked into a relegation battle.
They still have to travel to Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool and if Bent was to leave – despite McLeish asserting he definitely won’t – then the 16/1 for Villa to get relegated could be worth looking into.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail are reporting that Villa are to launch a bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba should Bent move to Liverpool.
It’s hard to see that happening though as Drogba remains determined to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge and secure a new two-year contract.
Finally, James Collins is also being linked with a move away from Villa Park with Queens Park Rangers allegedly readying a £3million bid for the central defender.
