Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has hinted that he may look to renew his attempt to sign Town striker Darren Bent. The Addicks had a £3 million bid for Bent turned down by the Blues earlier this week.

Curbishley said: "We have been linked with lots of players, but I can confirm we enquired after Bent, made an offer and they turned it down. That is as far as it has gone.

"We will have to get through tomorrow now and see what the weekend brings. We have a few days left to do something, it is a bit tight, but who knows.

"There are not too many strikers about, that is why we were so disappointed we lost Carlton Cole, and then Paolo left. We have now got Franny in, but I want to make sure the squad is strong enough.

"You can't have enough players, and you need a rounded squad. Injuries can come along and if you have not got the cover, it is a long couple of months before you get to that window.

"I want to make sure I have got enough people in the right areas to make sure we can compete and that if we come under pressure from injuries we can cope."

Bent himself is understood to be keen to speak to Charlton to see what is on offer. The frontman has up to now been happy to remain with Town in Division One, however, he may feel that now is the time to return to the Premiership in which he played five times for the Blues in 2001/02.

While Town's financial situation is vastly improved from a year ago, the Blues, like any other club, would still have to accept what they see as a reasonable offer for Bent's services.

Boss Joe Royle is keen to add to his currently very thin squad and, while the sale of Bent might not be the Town manager's preferred option, it would allow him far more freedom in the transfer market than he has had in his two years at the club up to now.

Charlton have until Tuesday evening to complete a deal for Bent. Whether the striker is involved at Rotherham on Saturday and against Wolves on Monday may well be an indication of a second Charlton bid.

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