Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has said that he can't see "any reason" why striker Darren Bent won't be at the club in February.

Bent has struggled to hold a starting place under new manager Lambert, who has favoured summer signing Christian Benteke over the England international.

However, Glaswegian Lambert is sure that Bent, 28, will be a Villan at the end of the January transfer window.

"When the window opens, you can't stop people from trying to get your players," Lambert said.

"You can't stop it. The only way to stop it is when people ring you to ask about players. I just say yes or no.

"Will Bent still be at Villa in February? Yes, I don't see any reason for him not to be at all. None whatsoever."

Lambert also dismissed speculation that he has fallen out with Bent.