Darren Bent could stay at Villa Park

Darren Bent has revealed he may yet have a future at Villa.

The club's £24million record signing is out of contract in the summer and was widely expected to depart after spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Derby.

But the arrival of Tim Sherwood, to replace Paul Lambert, has sparked the possibility the 31-year-old could yet remain at Villa Park and the striker has revealed talks over his future have taken place.

"There have been conversations with Villa regarding the future and I need to have a think about things in the summer," said Bent.

"I'm not ruling out going back, just like I wouldn't rule out staying at Derby because they have given me a lifeline to play football and score goals again. But yes, there's been discussions [with Villa] and we will have to look at it.

"I had some great times there and I loved pulling on that shirt. I know they're not quite out of trouble but it's great to see them going the right way in the league and at a Wembley semi-final."