Jonathan Barnett, Darren Bent's agent, says the 20-year-old striker is now ready for Premiership football. When rumours linked Bent with a move to the top division last season, Barnett advised his player that it was too early in his career to leave Portman Road.
Barnett said: "Darren is ready to play in the Premiership and that could happen this time round but it depends if Charlton make an improved offer for him before Tuesday."
The Bent deal was all but done earlier in the week but, with Charlton confident they had landed their man, the Blues asked for an increased offer.
A newspaper report this morning claims that Liverpool or other clubs may try to make a move for fellow striker Dean Bowditch before the closure of the transfer window on Tuesday.
However, if the Bent deal goes through - and it appears as if it will do - then there seems little probability that the Blues would allow Bowditch or any more of their youngsters leave.
Matt Richards, perhaps significantly left out of Town's squad for the weekend due to a minor injury, and Ian Westlake are also players who may be coveted by top flight clubs.
Bent's keenness to play in the Premiership could alert other clubs. Newcastle and Southampton were interested last summer, while we understand that Everton have been keeping an eye on the England U21 player's progress and may well find themselves with cash to spend before Tuesday's deadline once Wayne Rooney makes his expected departure.