Aston Villa have been told that Eddie Nketiah would be a huge gamble of a signing in their bid to avoid Premier League relegation by Darren Bent.
Arsenal striker Nketiah was recalled from his season-long loan at Leeds earlier this month following a disappointing lack of game time at Elland Road.
Nketiah appeared in 17 Championship matches for United, netting three times, but only started twice - having previously made 19 first team appearances for Arsenal.
The Gunners are now considering where to send the 20-year-old for the second half of the campaign - with Villa, Bristol City Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest all battling for his signature.
But it is the latter trio, the Championship clubs, where Nketiah has been recommended to move to by former Premier League front man Bent.
The ex-Ipswich, Charlton, Tottenham , Sunderland and Villa star thinks a move to Villa Park would be a massive risk for both parties.
Bent told talkSPORT : “I think Aston Villa, they don't need that right now. That is a risk. They need someone who can go in there and score goals now.
“(There is speculation) about (Christian) Benteke and I think that, for me, is the perfect one to go for.
“I know he's had a bit of a tough time at Crystal Palace . But I think the Aston Villa fans will get the best out of him, because they absolutely idolised him - he was the best thing ever when he was there.
“I think if he goes there and he feels that love again, he can start scoring.
“As far as Eddie Nketiah goes, I'd go somewhere like Bristol (City) or Sheffield Wednesday, a good Championship club that have aspirations of getting promoted. Not going to someone like Aston Villa or Norwich that are desperate for wins.”
