Darren Bent
Bent says he was never considering a move to Liverpool. REUTERS

Darren Bent has described rumours connecting him to Liverpool as 'laughable', with the striker insisting he is completely committed to Aston Villa for the long term future.

Bent had been linked by national media to a move to Merseyside, and the hitman looked a likely answer to Kenny Dalglish's striking problems, as Luis Suarez served his FA sanctioned suspension and Andy Carroll struggled to find form.

But Liverpool didn't end up making any big purchases in the January window, and Bent says that moving to the Anfield club was never a realistic option for him.

"It was laughable. I always knew I was going to be at Villa," Bent told Sky Sports.

"I have said before, I would like to stay at Villa for years and really kick on in my career while playing for Aston Villa.

"It is flattering to be linked with clubs like Liverpool but, at the same time, I always knew I was going to be here come February 1st and I am delighted to be here.

"You just laugh it off and get on with it. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world but at the same time it never crossed my mind once to leave."

Despite spending over £100 million in the January and summer transfer windows combined, Liverpool have since been concentrating on purchasing young players with future potential, rather than making big money moves.

The club have so far signed lower league sensations Seyi Ojo and Jordan Ibe, and the day after a particularly quiet deadline day this week, the Reds also confirmed the signing of 19 year old Joao Carlos from Sporting CP, and 21 year old keeper Martin Hensen from Danish outfit Viborg.

With this in mind, it would appear unlikely that the side will go for an established player like Bent, with the 27 year old looking settled at Villa.