West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Bent rejects Hammers move

15 Jun 2007 - 07:40:19

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Charlton Athletic's England international striker Darren Bent has turned down a move to West Ham United.

The 23-year-old forward is expected to leave the Addicks following their relegation from the Premier League, but Bent has rejected the initial overtures from the Hammers.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told the club's official website: "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that valuation.

"We gave them permission to speak to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham.

"We look forward to Darren starting with us in the Championship next season, which is a massive boost to our chances of returning to the Premier League."

A spokesman for the Irons added: "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."

A fee of around £17million is reported to have been agreed between Charlton and West Ham, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be tracking Bent, who moved to The Valley in the summer of 2005 for £2.75million from Ipswich Town.

He has netted 37 goals in 79 appearances for the Addicks and made his England bow in March 2006 against Uruguay.