Bent, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, is Villa's record signing, having arrived from Sunderland in January 2011 in a deal worth a reported £24 million.

However, the former England striker has fallen out of favour under Lambert and will spend a month with Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Although the Midlands side have mustered just six Premier League goals this term, the manager feels that the move will benefit all parties.