Darren Bent: 'I could sign new deal with Aston Villa'

Darren Bent has revealed that he has held talks with Aston Villa about signing a new contract.

The England international is currently on loan at Derby County after falling out of favour under Paul Lambert, who was replaced by Tim Sherwood in February, but he has hinted that his future at Villa Park may not be over despite a disappointing couple of years.

"There have been conversations with Villa regarding the future and I need to have a think about things in the summer," Villa's £24m record signing told The Telegraph.

"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."

Bent has scored five goals in nine appearances during his loan spell at Derby.