Former striker Darren Bent has signed a new four-year deal with Charlton, scuppering the chances of the Blues receiving a windfall from his transfer out of the Valley. Town are due 20% of any profit the Addicks make on the £2.6 million they have so far paid for the England striker should he move on.

Bent putting pen to paper ends weeks of speculation with Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City joining Tottenham, who had a £10 million bid turned down, in the chase for the 22-year-old.

Bent says he is happy to confirm his future by committing to the deal rumoured to be worth £30,000-a-week: "I am delighted to bring to an end all the press speculation about my future.

"[Charlton chairman] Richard Murray knows that I am committed to this club and, although I am flattered to be linked with the biggest clubs in the country, I owe Charlton a lot after they gave me my chance in the Premiership and the fans have been right behind me since I joined.

"I have also been hugely impressed with our new manager Iain Dowie and his ideas, as well as Les Reed and Mark Robson.

"I have a good feeling about this season and if I can match what I achieved last season I will be delighted.”

Town will now have to wait for Bent's first competitive international match for the next increase on last summer's transfer fee. The Blues are due £200,000 on each of his first two competitive games for England, his previous appearance having come in a friendly.

Bent joined the Addicks last summer for an initial fee of £2.5 million which rose by £50,000 on his 20th and 40th games for the Londoners.

Also on the move is former keeper Kelvin Davis who is expected complete his switch from Sunderland to Southampton later today.

Ex-Blues boss George Burley is also reported to be keen on Town target Tommy Miller, who looks all but certain to leave Sunderland after just one season. The midfielder has only a year left on his contract at the Stadium of Light and is expected to leave on a free transfer or for a nominal fee.

Another ex-Town star who may be on the move this summer is Bent's Charlton team-mate Darren Ambrose. We understand the Addicks may be willing to loan out the winger with the Blues likely to be amongst the interested parties should new boss Iain Dowie decide to make him available.

Town are hopeful a season-long loanee from the Premiership will be in their ranks come the start of the season.

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