Darren Bent to Liverpool: Rubbishing the Rumour

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

According to various media outlets, including Football365, Liverpool are looking to secure the signing of Darren Bent in January.

The winter transfer window will provide Brendan Rodgers with the perfect chance to shore up the forward line and sign some depth to accompany Luis Suarez, but it should not be the Aston Villa striker the Ulsterman looks to.

Read on for more details as to why that is.

The Current Situation

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

At the time of writing, Darren Bent is frozen out of Paul Lambert's first XI at Aston Villa due to the presence of man-mountain Christian Benteke.

If you're wondering why the former Norwich manager could do such a preposterous thing, please read this explanation and see that it is a fully merited move.

Concerns over Liverpool's scoring abilities have been rife all season long.

The dreaded fifth yellow card was handed to Luis Suarez, meaning he'd miss the trip to West Ham, but Brendan Rodgers' men still managed a 3-2 victory without their star Uruguyan.

Many expect the Anfield club to source a new striker next month.

Cost

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

It looks like Liverpool may look to spend in the January transfer window, but it's tough to see them forking out in this circumstance.

Darren Bent is a 28-year-old striker who will cost £18 million, according to ESPN.

Landing the England international on a loan deal is about as likely as Fernando Llorente choosing Anfield over the Juventus Stadium, as Villa wouldn't lease out a player of his calibre on a no-fee basis.

If Bent's going, he's going permanently for big bucks. Is he worth the outlay?

Doesn't Fit

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers will be looking at the small crop of strikers who actually fit his footballing blueprint.

Luis Suarez has the ability to duck in and out of the forward line, drift wide and make space for others or drop into the pockets others create.

His ability to play close-quarter football is outstanding, perfecting one-twos and dinked passes.

Darren Bent can't do any of this.

He is a pure poacher playing with just one intention—to score goals. Rodgers' intention is to win by playing beautiful football. There's a mismatch here.

Signs of Life at Villa Park

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It may not be entirely over for Darren Bent at Aston Villa after all.

Paul Lambert has used a 3-5-2 formation in the past two games, enabling him to get two strikers on the pitch at the same time.

Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor are the preferred striking duo, but Bent managed to weedle his way in for a 25-minute cameo at Villa Park against Stoke City on Saturday.

Playing that formation gives Bent hope of starting alongside Benteke rather being locked out of the side due to his presence, so perhaps he can be like a new signing for the Villans in January.

Whether or not he finds his feet in Birmingham again, he's not a good fit at Anfield.

Follow @stighefootball