Liverpool are yet to make contact with Aston Villa regarding a move for Darren Bent, according to ESPN.

The Reds are said to be keen on drafting in an experienced Premier League goal scorer during January and the Villains front-man appears to fit the bill.

The England international has slipped down the pecking order under new boss Paul Lambert as well as being stripped of the club’s captaincy, which may tempt him to look elsewhere.

Bent has been a long-term target for the Merseyside club, who are desperately short of numbers up front.

Luis Suarez is the only fit, established striker available to manager Brendan Rodgers, who has made no secret of his desire for the board to spend in order to aid the club’s on field hopes.

However, sources within ESPN have discovered that despite the rumoured interest, no official approach has been made for the 28-year-old.

Further to this, Villa are maintaining that their man is not for sale as they still feel he is a vital part of the first-team squad.

The Midlanders splashed £18m in 2011 to secure Bent’s signature from Sunderland, and with Liverpool reluctant to spend big money following the disastrous arrivals under Kenny Dalglish, they are not expecting to a receive a tempting bid.

The Anfield outfit may instead turn their attention to Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who could be available for around £6m with his contract set to expire and the end of the season.