Manchester City want Town striker Darren Bent as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka should the Frenchman depart during the transfer window, according to a report in a Sunday tabloid.

This is the first time City have been linked with the England U21 striker, Charlton having had a £3 million bid turned down in the summer.

Everton and Norwich have also been reported to have been amongst his admirers, although the Canaries have said he is out of their price range.

Town say they won't sell their prize asset unless they get an outrageous offer, while the player himself is keen to remain with the Blues until the summer, and then beyond if the club is in the Premiership.

Elsewhere, there is another report linking Everton's Duncan Ferguson with Town, a move ruled out by Joe Royle last week.

Former Blue Bobby Petta now appears to be on his way to Millwall, having failed to agree terms at both Wigan and Leeds. The Dutchman had also interested Southampton and Bolton but neither offered him a contract.

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