West Ham are believed to be preparing a £9million bid, but this could rise if they decide to include Yossi Benayoun – who has handed in a transfer request in the wake of an approach from Liverpool – as part of an exchange deal.
In terms of Bent, Tottenham have now moved into pole position in the hunt for the forward, who has also been a target of Benitez but is currently out of Liverpool’s price range.
But with West Ham out of the running, it’s likely Charlton will have to accept a lower bid although their chief executive Peter Varney insists that Bent will remain with them despite last season’s relegation.
“He said: We look forward to Darren starting with us in the Championship next season, which is a massive boost to our chance of returning to the Premier League.”
Liverpool are believed to have made a £10million bid already but Spurs are also unlikely to offer the kind of package West Ham were putting on the table.
A Hammers spokesman said: “West Ham have been considering options in terms of a new striker and will now be pursuing alternatives.”
