Norwich manager Nigel Worthington says he has given up any hopes of signing either Town striker Darren Bent or Crewe frontman Dean Ashton. Worthington needs to add to his misfiring attack and has long admired the England U21 pair.

The Northern Irishman said: "People like Ashton and [Darren] Bent I would love to bring to this football club.

"But it's an expensive time. We have not got the resources to throw money at them.

"We've made enquiries and done our homework. I think other clubs have been knocked back at £2 million for him [Ashton], and even that's out of our range."

Town turned down a £3 million bid for Bent from Charlton during the last transfer window, apparently putting a £5 million price-tag on his head, a valuation which may well have increased during the first half of 2004/05.

The Blues have stated on a number of occasions that Bent is not for sale unless someone makes an extraordinary ofer, while the player himself is keen to remain at Portman Road.

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