Hammers blow as Bent turns down move

Tottenham have moved into pole position in the hunt for Charlton striker Darren Bent after the Coca-Cola Championship new boys confirmed he has rejected a move to West Ham.

The 23-year-old England striker was expected to sign for the Hammers on Friday after the two clubs agreed a fee for the player.

Charlton were to receive £16million plus Hayden Mullins for the 23-year-old England international, but after negotiations with the Hammers, the striker has rejected a switch to Upton Park and the chance to be reunited with the man who brought him to The Valley in 2004, current Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told his 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 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."

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."