Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has reportedly moved a step closer to joining Brighton & Hove Albion on loan.
The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park, and his long-term future with the club remains unclear after seeing the likes of Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor preferred to him in attack.
According to Sky Sports News, Brighton have reacted to the England international's situation by approaching Villa about a loan move.
The report claims that Bent will join the Seagulls on an initial 28-day deal within the next 48 hours, meaning that he could make his debut against Fulham on the weekend.
Bent, who moved to Villa for a club-record £18m in 2011, has not scored in any of his eight appearances this season.
