Bent has been linked with a move away from Villa, despite only having joined the club in an £18million deal from Sunderland less than a year ago.
McLeish said: “I don’t think so. I’ve not heard anything. As far as I’m concerned, he’s here for the long run.
“We need him. He’s a terrific finisher. Sometimes he only needs one chance. That’s the value of someone like Darren Bent.
“If we can create one or two sniffs (of a goal), then Darren will be in there.”
