Former Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent has moved from Premier League club Aston Villa to Championship outfit Brighton on loan.

The 30-year-old former England international – who cost Villa £18m from Sunderland in 2011 – has agreed an initial one-month deal with the Seagulls after falling out of favour at Villa Park.

He could make his debut on Saturday against Fulham, the club where he spent last season on loan. He will only face Ipswich if the deal is extended, Mick McCarthy’s Blues travelling to The Amex on January 24.

Bent came through the academy ranks at Ipswich and made more the 100 appearances for the Blues before multi-million pound moves to Charlton (£2.5m), Tottenham (£16.5m), Sunderland (£10m) and Villa £18m).

Brighton finished sixth in the Championship last season, losing to Derby in the play-off semi-finals, but are currently only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference following just one league win in 14.

Manager Sami Hyypia said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren to the club, and I hope he will score plenty of goals for us during his time with us.

“His record speaks for itself. He is a top-class striker with more than 100 Premier League goals with Charlton, Spurs, Sunderland and Aston Villa.

“Three years ago he was a regular in the England squad under Fabio Capello; there is no doubting his ability to score goals.

“He also wants to play regular games and that is evident in his willingness to step down from the Premier League to the Championship.”

Bent has made one League Cup start and seven Premier League substitute appearances for Villa this season, failing to score. He scored six goals in 14 starts and 16 sub appearances on loan at Fulham last season, the Cottagers relegated from the top-flight.