Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has dismissed speculation linking Darren Bent with a move to Liverpool and has revealed that Kenny Dalglish has no interest in the striker.

Bent has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this month, despite only joining Villa from Sunderland twelve months ago.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on bringing in a new striker during this month's transfer window and have been linked with several names from the Premier League and abroad, while Bent was on their radar prior to his move to Villa Park.

But McLeish, who last month claimed that no club would be able to afford the England international, insists the club's record signing is not looking for a transfer.

And he revealed: "I have spoken to Kenny [Dalglish] and he said there was nothing in it.

"If there is anybody out there that wants him they certainly haven't contacted me and Darren has said on the record he wants to stay at the club.

"It's not frustrating, it's just the transfer window.

"People like to speculate and use social networking sites and they are having a field day.

"Whenever I have asked anyone outside the club I've been told flatly 'No'."