Saturday, June 23, 2007

Reds may hijack Spurs' Bent deal

Charlton hitman Darren Bent is expected to complete a £16million move to Spurs next week - unless Liverpool make a last-ditch offer for him.
The Addicks had been holding out for the £17million price agreed with West Ham for Bent earlier this month, before he pulled out of the deal.
However, the Guardian claims they have agreed a fee of £15million, with another £1million in 'success-related payments' for the England man.
However, the deal could be scuppered if Liverpool's chase for Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres fails, as Rafael Benitez has lined up Bent as an alternative target.
The move is likely to cast doubt over Jermain Defoe's future at White Hart Lane, with Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov currently established as the top two strikers at the club.
Bent is a more versatile option for Spurs boss Martin Jol, who is currently hamstrung by Defoe and Keane's apparent inability to play alongside each other.
Bent provides a more physical option, and has often played as a lone-striker in his time at The Valley.
If Bent does sign for Jol's side, he will be on a contract considerably less than the £75,000-a-week he was reportedly offered at West Ham.
Spurs have a rigid wage structure in place, with Robbie Keane believed to be the club's top-earner on £50,000 a week.

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