Hammers' Bent bid collapses

Slipshade SG

Charlton striker Darren Bent has turned down the chance to join West Ham United.

The Addicks star had been in talks with former manager Alan Curbishley on Thursday after a £16million deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

However, the England international has opted against a move to East London, leaving West Ham frustrated in their pursuit of Curbishley's former charge.

The Hammers are the only club to have matched Charlton's asking price for Bent, and it remains to be seen whether their failure to agree terms with the 23-year-old will provoke rival suitors to make their move.

Tottenham are understood to be keen on the Valley star, whilst Liverpool and Valencia have also been linked with Bent following Charlton's relegation.

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

"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."

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed earlier on Thursday he was hoping to announce a major signing in the coming days but, if Bent was the mystery man, then the Icelandic businessman may have to rethink his plans.

A Hammers spokesman has confirmed that the club will now be pursuing alternative targets after Bent's snub.

"A fee had been agreed between West Ham and Charlton but it was not possible to reach an agreement with the player," said a club spokesman.

"West Ham have been considering a number of options in terms of a new striker for the club and will now be pursuing alternatives."

Source: Sky Sports
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=472031&CPID=8&clid=21&lid=2&title=Hammers'+Bent+bid+collapses&channel=football_home&

Wow. He turned down a weekly wage offer of 80,000! Shocked

zocoss SG

Bent in £17m snub to Hammers

DARREN BENT has snubbed a £17million move to West Ham. The Charlton striker, 23, does not want to work with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley. And Bent even insisted he would rather play in the Championship than move to Upton Park.

The England star was expected to sign for the Hammers today on a five-year contract worth an incredible £75,000 a week. His decision will come as a massive blow for Upton Park chairman Eggert Magnusson who also received a transfer request from midfielder Yossi Benayoun last night.

Liverpool have been interested in the Israeli star, 27, and he could become part of boss Rafa Benitezs Kop revolution. Bent spent yesterday in talks with Magnusson. The Addicks were to receive £16m plus £1m-rated midfield ace Hayden Mullins. But Bent stalled last night. And, while he is believed to be willing to play for both Liverpool and Spurs, he would still be prepared to turn out at The Valley next term.

Kop side and Martin Jols Tottenham have had £10m bids turned down by the Addicks board. Bent has been No 2 on Benitezs hitlist and, after being told by Barcelona he had no chance of landing Samuel Etoo, he switched to the Englishman.

Like Liverpool, Spurs are offering Bent £35,000-a- week and guaranteed first-team football. But Charlton have told both clubs they will only listen to offers of £14m plus extensive add-ons including goals, appearances and England caps. Charlton chief executive Peter Varney revealed: We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that.This morning we gave them permission to speak to Darren and he decided not to join West Ham.

Patrik SG

Laughing
And i tot everything confirmed liao.
Hahaha

used SG

Laughing
bent deserve a better club

the Bear SG

Bent to the hammers to go get bent Laughing

omgukilledkenny SG

wow..amazing turnaround of events !

omgukilledkenny SG

Eggert dismayed by Bent snub

The England striker looked set to become the ambitious club's biggest ever signing when current employers Charlton accepted the Hammers bid, which would have seen Hayden Mullins going to The Valley.

But Bent decided against a move to Upton Park - a decision which appears to put Tottenham in pole position for his signature - and infuriated Magnusson in the process.

"The whole situation left me very frustrated," he said in The Sun.

"We were so close to signing Darren and thought everything was in place to conclude what would have been the biggest transfer in West Ham's history.

"I was really looking forward to making an announcement to our fans as we continue our plans to take this club forward and challenge the best teams in England.

"West Ham acted in good faith in discussions throughout with Charlton, the player and his representatives.

"The deal we put in place seemed to work for everybody concerned. Throughout the negotiations all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned Darren had decided not to join us.

"I feel let down and disappointed. But it is time to move on."

turbo_drift SG

Spurs new favourites to land Bent

Spurs are the new favourites to land Charlton's £17m-rated England striker Darren Bent after he turned down a move to West Ham.

The Hammers thought they had clinched a deal for the 23-year-old until he had a last-minute change of heart.

BBC Sport understands Liverpool are admirers of Bent, but he is currently not their top striking target.

One stumbling block to a quick deal may be Spurs' current reluctance to match the £17m fee offered by West Ham.

He snubbed a move to West Ham after the two clubs agreed a fee.

"We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that valuation," said Charlton chief executive Peter Varney.

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

The Addicks, who were relegated from the top flight last season, now expect Bent to stay with them.

"We 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."

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley had reportedly offered midfield man Hayden Mullins to Charlton in a bid to clinch the move.

If Bent had decided to join West Ham he would have rejoined manager Alan Curbishley, who spent £2.75m to bring the striker to Charlton from Ipswich two years ago.

A West Ham spokesman confirmed the deal was not moving forward, adding: "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."

CKeer SG

I think Bent chose career over cash. Wink

Cheers.
CK

KrU SG

£16m for him? Too much lah.

used SG

the price is abt right for his talent. unless of course if you are looking at the club who is selling then it might be a rip off