Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has admitted that he 'laughed off' speculation linking the him with a January switch to Liverpool.

The former Sunderland frontman was strongly linked with a transfer to Merseyside last month, but the 27-year-old has claimed that there was no interest.

"It was laughable," said Bent. "I always knew I was going to be at Villa. I have said before, I would like to stay at Villa for years and really kick on in my career while playing for Aston Villa.

"It is flattering to be linked with clubs like Liverpool but, at the same time, I always knew I was going to be here come February 1 and I am delighted to be here.

"You just laugh it off and get on with it. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world but at the same time it never crossed my mind once to leave."

The striker scored his 100th goal in Villa's 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.