Darren Bent joins Brighton on loan from Villa

The 30-year-old former England international, who cost Villa £18million from Sunderland in 2011, has agreed an initial one-month deal with the Seagulls after falling out of favour at Villa Park.

He could make his debut on Saturday against Fulham, the club where he spent last season on loan.

Brighton manager Sami Hyypia told the club website: "We are delighted to welcome Darren to the club, and I hope he will score plenty of goals for us during his time with us.

"His record speaks for itself. He is a top-class striker with more than 100 Premier League goals with Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa.

"Three years ago he was a regular in the England squad under Fabio Capello; there is no doubting his ability to score goals.

"He also wants to play regular games and that is evident in his willingness to step down from the Premier League to the Championship."

Bent has made eight appearances for Villa this season but failed to score.