Charlton Athletic appear to have given up on signing Town striker Darren Bent. The Addicks are now reported to be making moves to land Watford frontman Heidar Helguson.

Town turned down a £3 million bid from Alan Curbishley's club in the summer, with reports indicating that the Blues had put a £5 million price tag on the player's head.

Since then Bent's value is likely to have risen as goals have continued to flow at both Championship and England U21 levels.

Curbishley conceded yesterday that some of the fees he has been quoted may be to strong for his club's budget.

Icelander Helguson would cost Charlton just over £1 million, while Curbishley is also keen to turn his attentions towards Nottingham Forest central defender Michael Dawson.

Town have said on innumerable occasions that Bent is not for sale and the player is happy to remain at Portman Road at least until the summer.

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