Money not Darren Bent's motivation

Darren Bent has insisted he joined Villa for "football reasons" and denied he has only moved to the claret and blues from Sunderland to increase his wages.

The 26-year-old striker was unveiled at Villa Park as the club's record signing, in a deal which could be worth up to £24million over the course of his four-and-a-half-year contract.

Bent will also become one of the top earners at the club and is set to pick up as much as £80,000 a week, but is adamant that money was not the motivating factor behind the switch.

He said: "Everyone's got their opinions as to why I have come to the football club.

"When I was at Charlton, I could have gone to West Ham for double and some of the criticism does hurt to be honest. But for football reasons I chose to go to Tottenham. I am sure people will have opinions on why I have joined Villa given where they are.

"However, I believe where Villa are is a false position and it's a massive football club with massive tradition and history and I want to be part of it.

"I have had some good times at Sunderland but it's all behind me now and I'm looking forward to get going."

Villa boss Gerard Houllier added that Bent was "not a panic buy" and also eased fears that one of Stewart Downing or Ashley Young will now be sold to balance the books.

The manager said: "No they are not for sale. Whether it's Stewart or Ashley, they will not be leaving. I've not had any bids.

"Darren is just 26 and he is entering the prime of his life as a striker, so he fits the bill in terms of what he can do in the long term.

"It's not a panic buy. But I can't say yes or no to new signings. If the opportunity is there, then yes.

"There's no problem with money for getting new players and I share the chairman's view that we need to keep a manageable wage bill."