Darren Bent ends contract with Aston Villa, joins Championship side Brighton
LONDON - Former England international Darren Bent has left Aston Villa and dropped down a division to join Championship side Brighton.
The 30-year-old Bent cost Villa £18million (23million euros) from Sunderland in 2011 but has struggled to win a place in Paul Lambert's side this season.
He agreed an initial one-month deal with the Seagulls and could make his debut on Saturday against Fulham, the club where he spent last season on loan.
Brighton manager Sami Hyypia told the club website: "We are delighted to welcome Darren to the club, and I hope he will score plenty of goals for us during his time with us.
"His record speaks for itself. He is a top-class striker with more than 100 Premier League goals with Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa.
"Three years ago he was a regular in the England squad under Fabio Capello; there is no doubting his ability to score goals.
"He also wants to play regular games and that is evident in his willingness to step down from the Premier League to the Championship."
Bent has made eight appearances for Villa this season but failed to score.