Town say they have had no official interest in striker Marcus Bent, despite reports earlier this week linking West Brom and Portsmouth. While there have been no quotes from a West Brom source regarding Bent, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest.

Although keen on the much-travelled Londonder, Redknapp says he won't pay a fee for him. Town are keen to recoup at least something of the £3 million they paid Blackburn for Bent in November 2001. A figure in the low hundred thousands is likely to be the asking price.

Bent, one of Town's highest-paid players with a year still to run on his contract, is also a target of former loan side Leicester City. However, the recently relegated Foxes are unable to pay a fee for the 26-year-old front man.

Scottish Premier League giants Celtic and Rangers were reported to have kept a close eye on Bent towards the end of last season.

Town will be keen to rid themselves of his wages - and those of Martijn Reuser and highest earner Pablo Couñago - as soon as possible. Those three are the only players still on Premiership contracts and all have a year left on their deals.

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