Darren Bent joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed on their official website that Sunderland striker Darren Bent has joined the club and agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract extending to June 2015.

"Aston Villa are delighted to confirm that Darren Bent will be unveiled today [Tuesday] as the club's record signing, having agreed a four-and-a-half year deal to June 2015," read a club statement on their official website.

"The 26-year-old England striker completed a medical before the formalities of the signing today [Tuesday] and will be available for the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City on Saturday, January 22 at Villa Park.