Express & Star

Bent set for loan spell with Brighton

Darren Bent looks set to sign on loan for Brighton & Hove Albion in a move which should signal the end of his Villa career.

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Bent is expected to join Sami Hyypia's Championship squad on an initial 28- day loan with an option to extend the deal.

The £24m record signing is out of contract at Villa at the end of this campaign.

The 30-year-old came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Monday but will view the move as an opportunity to kick-start his career.

Signed by Gérard Houllier for a record fee from Sunderland in January 2011, Bent proved crucial as Villa avoided relegation from the Premier League that season.

He also scored nine league goals under Alex McLeish but the arrival of Lambert led to him being sidelined, joining Fulham on loan last season.

Brighton expect to tie up the deal in the next 48 hours before their game against the Cottagers this weekend.

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