ALEX McLeish doubts “anybody can afford” Darren Bent after reassuring Villa fans the club’s record signing will not be sold next month.

McLeish, who has ruled out a swoop for his former Rangers striker Kris Boyd, reckons Bent is far too important a player for the claret and blues to consider cashing in on.

Asked if it had crossed his mind to sell the £18-24 million goalgetter for a similar price to generate cash for a total revamp of his squad, McLeish shook his head.

“Losing a striker of Darren’s ability would be difficult to replace,” he said. “His goals last season were a vital part of Villa’s season in terms of keeping them up. I wouldn’t think anybody can afford Darren.

“It would send out the wrong message. Unless we went out and signed Luis Suarez. Even suspended for eight games I’d have him.”

There has been interest from other clubs in some unnamed Villa players but McLeish insists he can ill afford to lose strikers.

“I’ve said we have to trade carefully, so that means I can’t just go into the market without there being some kind of balance,” he said.