Tottenham are said to be closing in on the signing of former Blue Darren Bent from Charlton Athletic, according to various tabloid reports this morning. Depending on which paper you read, Spurs will offer either a straight £14 million or £12 million plus Anthony Gardner.

The Addicks have repeatedly said that they won't move on the price they are asking for Bent and it is unlikely that they would agree to a deal which would net them less than the £17 million previously agreed with West Ham at this stage of the summer.

Earlier in the week chief executive Peter Varney reiterated his club's position: "We have a valuation of Darren and we will not sell for less than that.

"There have been other bids and they don't meet our valuation.

"West Ham matched our valuation and that was why they were given permission last week to speak to Darren.

"No other club has managed that and as things stand Darren will be staying with Charlton. He is our player and under contract to us."

Liverpool and La Liga side Valencia are also said to be interested in the twice-capped England frontman.

Town are due to receive 20% of the profit Charlton make on the £2.6 million they paid the Blues for Bent and the fee of £17 million would have seen £2.88 million go into the club's coffers.

Bent turned down the move to West Ham last week, a switch which would have seen him earn £80,000-a-week. The striker's wage is expected to be considerably lower if he moves to White Hart Lane, but Bent is understood to feel he will have a greater chance of furthering his England career while with Martin Jol's club.

Meanwhile, released Town academy striker Tony Boto will play for Woodbridge Town next season.

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