Bent rejects £16m West Ham move
Darren Bent has turned down the chance to link up with his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley at West Ham.
The England international has been linked with a return to the Premiership, with Tottenham and Liverpool also thought to be interested, but the Hammers are the only club to have a bid accepted.
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney said: "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that valuation.
"This morning we gave them permission to speak to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham.
"We therefore look forward to Darren starting with us in the Championship next season, which is a massive boost to our chance of returning to the Premier League."
Bent has been Charlton's top scorer for each of the last two seasons and reports claim West Ham had offered £16 million plus midfielder Hayden Mullins.
A West Ham spokesman said: "A fee had been agreed between West Ham and Charlton but it was not possible to reach an agreement with the player.
"West Ham have been considering a number of options in terms of a new striker for the club and will now be pursuing alternatives."
© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
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