Albion's hopes of re-signing Darren Bent on loan from Aston Villa could be wrecked by Championship rivals Derby County.

Bent's spell with the Seagulls ended with last night's 2-0 win at Fulham, which he missed with a groin strain sustained on Boxing Day.

The 30-year-old former England marksman is reportedly now poised to join promotion-chasing Derby on loan for the rest of the season.

Albion caretaker Nathan Jones told The Argus after the Fulham game: "He'll be out for seven to ten days because of the groin strain. Villa have recalled him and Gary (Gardner) anyway. They want them back involved and then we have to revisit that in the near future.

"They've both done fantastically well. On behalf of the football club we'd like to thank them for their endeavours.

"Gary's been with us a little longer than Darren but his workrate, his attitude, has been spot-on.

"Darren's come in, scored two goals, really showed why he is a top player. He's a top character as well, so it's been excellent."