Darren Bent thanks Aston Villa for "fantastic times"

Darren Bent has said that he has had "fantastic times" during his four-year spell with Aston Villa.

The club has announced that the striker, who had loan spells with Brighton and Derby County last season, has been released after coming to the end of his contract.

The club's record signing said in an Instagram post: "Want to say thanks to Aston Villa football club for allowing me to play for such a great club. Have had fantastic times playing for this great club.

"Thank you to there fans who have stuck by me through hard times. It has been a pleasure to play for you. Thank you."

Bent has been linked with a permanent move to Derby, where he scored 12 goals in 17 appearances last season.