text: Darren Bent could still return to Aston Villa in the summer even after his contract is allowed to run down at the club which cast him aside, but his focus for now is helping Derby get promoted. Bent was out of favour with sacked manager Paul Lambert and Rams boss Steve McClaren took the chance to add the experienced striker to his line-up on loan until the end of the campaign. But with Tim Sherwood now in charge at Villa Park the 31-year-old is keeping his options open. Darren Bent has scored nine goals in 13 games for Derby since going on loan from Aston Villa in January . Bent scores Derby 's form has been impressive for Derby since joining the Championship promotion hopefuls . 'I wouldn't rule anything out,' he told TalkSport. 'I will have to wait until the end of the season to make that decision. 'It will be nice to have the option. But I don't want to look too far ahead because I'm enjoying playing for Derby County and I don't want to take my eye off the ball.' Sherwood's side take on QPR on Tuesday night in a crucial relegation clash - a loss could see Villa fall below the line and Chris Ramsey's men enjoy a sniff of safety. Bent has nine goals in 13 appearances for the Rams and is focussed on their push for the Premier League . Bent's form has no doubt caught the attention with new Villa boss Tim Sherwood while at the Rams . While on the books at Villa, the end of the campaign for Bent - whether it be at the regular season's end or with a playoff triumph with the Rams - will also see him become a free agent. And with nine goals in 13 games since arriving at Derby in January, after stays at Fulham and Brighton, he may have some bargaining power. Bent has previously praised Sherwood, who he knows from his time at Tottenham, as an 'unbelievable motivator', saying Villa is 'the perfect job for him.’ He previously told the Telegraph that ‘There have been conversations' with his parent club. Sherwood has also bemoaned the absence of Bent as his side struggles for goals. 'I’d like to have him here now. You can’t have enough goalscorers in your building,’ he said.
target: Darren Bent said he'll wait until the season's end to decide on his future .
  Villa striker becomes a free agent at the end of this campaign with Derby .
  Bent's been on loan with Brighton, Fulham and Derby most recently .
  He was out of favour with Paul Lambert but could return for Tim Sherwood .
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