Leicester City now look unlikely to sign Town striker Marcus Bent on a permanent basis. Bent spent last season on loan with the Foxes and Micky Adams was keen to keep him at the Walkers Stadium.

However, manager Joe Royle says the Blues are keen to get some cash for the front man, something Leicester couldn't stretch to: "They didn't want to pay a fee for him and we have said we require one."

Towards the end of last season Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers were both said to be keeping an eye on the much-travelled 26-year-old.

Bent may also have impressed other Premiership managers with his 10 goals in 35 matches for relegated Leicester last season.

Town's moneymen will be keen to off-loan the striker's reported £17,000-a-week wage as soon as possible. Bent, Martijn Reuser and Pablo Couñago are now the only players left at Portman Road on contracts signed while the Blues were in the Premiership.

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