Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has dismissed claims that the continued omission of Darren Bent is due to a clause in the England striker's contract.

Bent has made just six starts for Villa this season and has been left out of Lambert's last two matchday squads.

It has been reported that Villa would owe Sunderland, from whom they signed Bent in January 2011, £3m should the 28-year-old make a further three Premier League appearances.

However, Lambert has insisted that these rumours are entirely false and also revealed that Bent has been not been the subject of any bids from other clubs.

"Have there been any enquiries for Bent? No. Has he asked to be put on the transfer list? No," said Lambert. "Is there a clause? That's not true. I'm not sure where that came from."

Christian Benteke is again expected to lead the Villa line against Queens Park Rangers this weekend.