West Ham are reported to be poised to make a £12 million bid for ex-Town striker Darren Bent. The England man looks certain to leave relegated Charlton over the summer.

If the report is true, Alan Curbishley may be looking to reunite Bent with Dean Ashton, the pair having formed a successful strike partnership for England at both U19 and U21 level.

Town are due 20% of any profit the Addicks make on the £2.6 million they paid the Blues for Bent's services. A fee of £12 million would add £1.88 million to Jim Magilton's transfer budget.

In another morning paper, Spurs are said to be ready to make a £10 million move for Bent, a switch which would land the Blues £1.48 million.

Meanwhile, Magilton says he is confident his side can challenge for the play-offs next season if he signs the players he is targeting: "Those I have earmarked will make us better and if we get them then we will be top six."

Town are expected to hear about the availability of Franny Jeffers this week, while Everton confirmed Richard Wright's release on Monday.

Elsewhere, Town have been linked with former Cardiff keeper Neil Alexander, who is out of contract having refused a new deal at Ninian Park. The story appears to have little substance with Richard Wright set to rejoin his hometown club.

Alexander is also being linked with Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday.

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