Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert denies rift with Darren Bent

[kippaxvilla2]

Anyone notice Christian Benteke on Young Apprentice last night - obviously filmed before he joined us.

[eamonn]

No, did he have any ideas on how Villa can raise investment?

[eastie]

Anyone notice Christian Benteke on Young Apprentice last night - obviously filmed before he joined us.

Looked more like chris Eubanks to me.

[tomd2103]

We have so many attacking players (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Gabby, Bent, Benteke, Weimann, Albrighton and Bannan at a push) and yet we are shocking at both creating and in scoring.

I would say that is because some of those attacking players are playing well below their capabilities and some aren't good enough.  It also doesn't help that the more experienced and talented players in that list are also the least reliable when it comes to putting in effort and performances.  Out of those listed, I would only like to see us keep Benteke, Weimann, Bent and possibly Gabby going forward. 

[Dave Clark Five]

Benteke would probably respond with a 'PLAY ME AND GABBY', were he daft enough to share his opinions with the press.

There is no chance that we will see a - Gabby: 'Play me and Darren' headline, not unless someone twists Gabby's words.

[Percy McCarthy]

So I hear.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Anyone notice Christian Benteke on Young Apprentice last night - obviously filmed before he joined us.

I said it as soon as i seen him (David) I then had to get a picture up on the net to show the missus why i had said it several times at which stage she (out of boredem) went for a struggling enthusiastic "0h ye" :-)))

[danlanza]

No rift. Bent has not even travelled to Sunderland !!

[spangley1812]

No rift. Bent has not even travelled to Sunderland !!

Foot injury picked up in training yesterday

[The Left Side]

No rift. Bent has not even travelled to Sunderland !!

You know the press will make a meal of it though

[Brian Taylor]

If Benteke scores today..Bent is bye byes!

[sirlordbaltimore]

If Benteke scores today..Bent is bye byes!

Brilliant, just what we need. 

[Brian Taylor]

Gabby did it and that is fine by me. Christian can do it another day! Up da Villa..that is the important thing!! UTV!!

[PeterWithesShin]

From the ever reliable Mirror.

Aston Villa are already looking at replacements for Darren Bent – and are ready to chase Saint-Etienne striker Pierre Aubameyang, writes The Sunday People.

Boss Paul Lambert has frozen Bent out of the first-team picture at Villa Park and looks certain to flog him in January, with Fulham interested.

Aubameyang is believed to be one of the strikers Lambert has earmarked as Bent’s replacement.

The 23-year-old began his career with Milan but moved to France last year.

He has been in good form for Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1 this term and Villa scouts believe he would adapt quickly to the style of play in England.

Aubameyang, who once said he would love to play in the Premier League, represented Gabon in the London Olympics, scoring once in three appearances.

[silhillvilla]

Starting to think Bents departure is inevitable. As long as PL gets to spend the proceeds I have no issues with it.