14/06/2007 22:43
West Ham United can confirm that, having reached agreement with Charlton
Athletic on a transfer fee for Darren Bent, discussions today took place
with the player and his representative. Unfortunately, we were unable to
agree personal terms and have therefore ended our interest in the player.
However, Darren Bent was just one of several transfer targets the Club have
been pursuing, and we will now focus our attention on securing other
potential new signings identified by Alan Curbishley and the board.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble makes first start for Under-21s - WHUFC
14/06/2007 21:59
Mark Noble made his first start at under-21 level as England drew 2-2 with
Italy in the European Championship finals on Thursday evening. The
20-year-old Hammer gave an impressive performance in the centre of midfield
alongside his Upton Park colleague Nigel Reo-Coker, as Stuart Pearce's men
came within a whisker of progressing to the semi-finals and eliminating
Italy from the competition. After two goals from David Nugent and Leroy Lita
in the space of two first-half minutes had sent England into a 2-0 lead, the
Italians fought back with a strike from Giorgio Chiellini 10 minutes before
the break and then grabbed an equaliser through Alberto Aquilani with 20
minutes remaining. England must now beat Group B leaders Serbia on Sunday to
ensure their place in the last four, while pre-tournament favourites Italy
have to beat the Czech Republic and hope that England slip up. The third
Hammer in the squad, Anton Ferdinand, again missed out through a groin
strain, but is hopeful of being available for the final group game against
Serbia at the weekend.
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Bent turns down move to West Ham
Charlton striker Darren Bent has turned down a move to West Ham after the
two clubs agreed a fee. "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the
only club prepared to meet that valuation," said Charlton chief executive
Peter Varney. "This morning we gave them permission to speak to Darren,
which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham." West Ham and Spurs
were thought to be at the centre of a battle to sign Charlton's £17m-rated
forward.
But the Addicks, who were relegated from the top flight last season, now
expect Bent to stay with them. "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." West Ham boss Alan Curbishley had
reportedly offered midfield man Hayden Mullins to Charlton in a bid to
clinch the move. If Bent had decided to join West Ham he would have rejoined
manager Alan Curbishley, who spent £2.75m to bring the striker to Charlton
from Ipswich two years ago. A West Ham spokesman confirmed the deal was not
moving forward, adding: "A fee had been agreed between West Ham and Charlton
but it was not possible to reach an agreement with the player. "West Ham
have been considering a number of options in terms of a new striker for the
club and will now be pursuing alternatives."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bent says no - nobody upset! - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th June 2007
By: Gordon Thrower
West Ham United have confirmed that plans to sign Darren Bent from Charlton
have fallen through. A club announcement this evening confirmed that, whilst
a fee had been agreed with Charlton, the player had been unable to agree
personal terms. The statement, released on whufc.com, went on to confirm
that "we have therefore ended our interest in the player". Most observers
considered the rumoured fee of around £16m to be hugely excessive for a
player only on the fringe of the England squad, and there was a general air
of relief this evening amongst supporters, many of whom seemed less than
impressed at the potential signing of the former Ipswich striker. Details of
exactly why the deal fell through are sketchy at present, although it is
thought that Bent received confirmation from Tottenham - his preferred move
- that they would be making a move for him. Charlton chief executive Peter
Varney was, unlike many Hammers supporters, less than impressed with the
eleventh-hour knock-back; he confirmed that Tottenham are yet to match the
fee agreed with West Ham United. "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham
were the only club prepared to meet that valuation," he said. "This morning
we gave West Ham permission to speak to Darren, which he did - and he has
decided not to join them. "We therefore look forward to Darren starting
with us in the Championship next season - which is a massive boost to our
chances of returning to the Premier League."
Bent's snub came as something of a surprise to the Hammers board, who were
convinced that they had got their man earlier in the day. So sure were they
that Eggert Magnusson released a statement on whufc.com confirming that "we
are hopeful of making an exciting announcement soon". It wasn't to be.
Bent's decision to reject United's overtures means that Alan Curbishley is
likely to turn his attention to either Liverpool's Craig Bellamy or
Everton's Andy Johnson - both players heavily linked with a move to East
London in recent weeks.
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Hammers' Bent bid collapses - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 14 Jun 2007
Charlton striker Darren Bent has turned down the chance to join West Ham
United. The Addicks star had been in talks with former manager Alan
Curbishley on Thursday after a £16million deal had been agreed between the
two clubs. However, the England international has opted against a move to
East London, leaving West Ham frustrated in their pursuit of Curbishley's
former charge. The Hammers are the only club to have matched Charlton's
asking price for Bent, and it remains to be seen whether their failure to
agree terms with the 23-year-old will provoke rival suitors to make their
move. Tottenham are understood to be keen on the Valley star, whilst
Liverpool and Valencia have also been linked with Bent following Charlton's
relegation. "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club
prepared to meet that valuation," Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told
the club's official website. "This morning we gave them permission to speak
to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham. "We
therefore 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." West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed earlier on Thursday he
was hoping to announce a major signing in the coming days but, if Bent was
the mystery man, then the Icelandic businessman may have to rethink his
plans. A Hammers spokesman has confirmed that the club will now be pursuing
alternative targets after Bent's snub. "A fee had been agreed between West
Ham and Charlton but it was not possible to reach an agreement with the
player," said a club spokesman. "West Ham have been considering a number of
options in terms of a new striker for the club and will now be pursuing
alternatives."
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Hammers close on new signing - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 14 Jun 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson says the London club are close to making
an 'exciting announcement' regarding their summer transfer manoeuvres.
The Hammers are believed to be closing in on the signing of Charlton striker
Darren Bent in a reported £17million deal, even if Tottenham are also taking
a keen interest in the England international. The club held talks with the
striker and his representatives on Thursday and he could undergo a medical
at Upton Park on Friday. Reports suggest Hayden Mullins could move to The
Valley in part exchange if West Ham win the race for Bent's signature, and
Magnusson has admitted he hopes to make an announcement regarding a new
signing in the near future. "I am delighted to report that we are making
progress in our plans to strengthen the squad over the summer period,"
Magnusson told the club's official website. "We are hopeful of making an
exciting announcement soon and Alan Curbishley and the board will continue
to work to get the right balance in the team for next season. "I know we are
moving in the right direction as a club and I also know the fans share our
ambitions for the future."
Bent will reportedly receive as much as £75,000 per week if he moves to
Upton Park, and in the past six months West Ham have also opened the
chequebook to lure players such as Scott Parker and Lucas Neill to East
London. Such is West Ham's new-found muscle in the transfer market,
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp recently lamented: "Craig Bellamy would do
for us. But West Ham want him and would double his wages to £100,000 a week.
How do you compete with that?" However, Magnusson has hit out at media
reports which have suggested West Ham's spending is out of control. "On a
personal level I am, at times, frustrated by some of the stories which
appear in the media suggesting certain salary levels for our players - many
of which are simply factually wrong," Magnusson added. "It is not right to
comment on every story or to use confidential information in public but I
can say the truth is often different to the reports. "The bottom line is
that this is an ambitious club with a very sound financial base and as new
owners we are determined to move forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EU won't back Blades bid - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 14 Jun 2007
Sheffield United have been warned that the European Commission will not
intervene to support their quest for Premier League justice. The Blades'
case regarding the Carlos Tevez affair will be heard by an arbitration panel
on Monday and Tuesday, with the relegated club hoping to successfully argue
that West Ham should have been deducted points following the controversial
signing of the Argentinian. United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has voiced his
confidence that the arbitration panel will side with his club, but has also
stated they will take the fight for compensation to the European Union if a
favourable outcome is not forthcoming. However, a spokesman for EU sports
commissioner Jan Figel has underlined that the commission has no intention
of wading into any domestic row. "The meeting is taking place between
Sheffield United and someone from our directorate about their Campaign for
Fairness in Football. The meeting is not with the commissioner," spokesman
Frederic Vincent told Reuters. "I'm sure they'll want to say a word about
their upcoming arbitration concerning the Carlos Tevez affair. "But it has
been made clear from the start by us that the commission cannot and will not
intervene in a national issue."
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Liverpool confirm approach for Benayoun - Soccernet
Liverpool have confirmed they have made an approach to buy West Ham
midfielder Yossi Benayoun as Rafael Benitez continues his quest to recruit
new signings at Anfield. The Israel international is delaying signing a new
five-year contract at Upton Park - having verbally agreed to the deal three
weeks ago - now that he is aware of Liverpool's interest. Liverpool chief
executive Rick Parry said today: 'I can confirm we have made an approach for
Yossi Benayoun, but the figures quoted are completely wrong. Other than that
we don't want to say any more.' There has been speculation that Liverpool
offered as little as £1million for the Isreal captain, with other
suggestions that a £3million bid has been lodged. West Ham are believed to
have rejected the bid and plan talks this week to convince Benayoun to stay
in east London, where his new contract will be worth £50,000 a week.
Liverpool boss Benitez has followed the progress of Benayoun for a number of
years, initially while the player was with Racing Santander in Spain. Last
summer, after Benayoun produced an outstanding performance for the Hammers
in the FA Cup final against Liverpool in Cardiff, Benitez considered a bid.
Benitez was initially dismissive of the player's ability to handle the
physical pressures in the Barclays Premier League when he first moved to
Upton Park, but has now revised his opinion.
However, the fact that Liverpool are considering players of such a value
underlines the problems Benitez is having in the transfer market. There is
a clear conflict with the club's new American owners Tom Hicks and George
Gillett over finance. Although the Americans have promised to back their
manager in the market, both men have recently talked of restrain. Hicks said
'Rafa wants things done yesterday' while Gillett pointedly said this week
that Liverpool would not 'spend money like drunken sailors.' All this has
not been received well by Benitez. His transfer targets have included
Valencia's David Villa, Lyon winger Florent Malouda, Real Zaragoza brothers
Diego and Gabriel Milito, Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres,
Villarreal's Diego Forlan and even Charlton's Darren Bent.
But all their fees have been prohibitive for Benitez on his current budget,
so the likes of 27-year-old Benayoun now come into the frame. Liverpool are
believed to again be showing interest in Benfica's Simao Sabrosa, but that
fee could be over £12million. A move for Benayoun could well be engineered
if West Ham maintain their interest in Craig Bellamy. Liverpool clearly need
to sell before they can buy at present, and a swap deal plus cash could be
negotiated.
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EU will not intervene in Tevez row - Soccernet
BRUSSELS, June 14 (Reuters) - The European Union's top sports regulator will
not interfere in the row between Sheffield United and the Premier League
over the Carlos Tevez affair, EU officials said on Thursday. United,
relegated on the last day of the season, claim West Ham should be deducted
points and demoted instead of being fined over their handling of the
Argentina forward's transfer. United chairman Kevin McCabe said on Wednesday
he would take the issue to the European Commission in Brussels on Friday but
a spokesman for EU Sports Commissioner Jan Figel said there was no
possibility of the EU executive taking action. "The meeting is taking place
between Sheffield United and someone from our directorate about their
Campaign for Fairness in Football. The meeting is not with the
Commissioner," spokesman Frederic Vincent told Reuters. "I'm sure they'll
want to say a word about their upcoming (Premier League) arbitration
concerning the Carlos Tevez affair. But it has been made clear from the
start by us that the Commission cannot and will not intervene in a national
issue." Figel is penning a strategy on how sport should be run across the
27-nation bloc which is due to be published next month. The paper will
include all aspects of sport including the issue of transfers and players
agents. "The Commission hopes to clarify a lot of legal matters with this
process, but it also has to be careful not to send out a message that sports
organisations can come running to Brussels every time there is a problem," a
Commission official said. The Premier League holds an arbitration hearing
on Monday and Tuesday, with United claiming east London club West Ham should
be docked points for breaking the transfer rules instead of just being fined
5.5 million pounds ($10.84 million).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magnusson hits out at Bent claims - Soccernet
West Ham are closing in on Darren Bent but chairman Eggert Magnusson is
furious at claims the club are responsible for players' wage boom. The
Hammers held meetings with Bent and his representatives today after agreeing
a fee with Charlton and it is understood he will undergo a medical tomorrow.
The signing of the 23-year-old England international would once again
underline Magnusson's ambitions for the club but he insists some reports
about wages being offered by the Hammers are untrue. He also believes the
new Premier League television deal is causing clubs across the top flight to
offer higher salaries. Magnusson said: 'We are making progress in our plans
to strengthen the squad over the summer period. 'We are hopeful of making an
exciting announcement soon and Alan Curbishley and the board will continue
to work to get the right balance in the team for next season. 'I know we are
moving in the right direction as a club and I also know the fans share our
ambitions for the future.'
Magnusson has previously dismissed reports about defender Lucas Neill's
salary but has now been concerned at claims of the wages being offered to
Bent.
He added: 'On a personal level I am, at times, frustrated by some of the
stories which appear in the media suggesting certain salary levels for our
players - many of which are simply factually wrong. 'It is not right to
comment on every story or to use confidential information in public but I
can say the truth is often different to the reports.'
West Ham agreed a fee for Bent with Charlton yesterday and that opened the
way for talks with the player today. According to reports, a fee of
£16million plus midfielder Hayden Mullins has been agreed after Charlton
originally asked for £18million plus Mullins and striker Marlon Harewood.
Tottenham have also been pursuing Bent so West Ham's capture of the striker
would be a major coup. Magnusson said: 'The bottom line is that this is an
ambitious club with a very sound financial base and, as new owners, we are
determined to move forward. 'As we do that, we can expect criticism from
others but the most important thing is delivering the true potential of this
great club.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bent snub for West Ham - Telegraph
By Charles Carrick
Last Updated: 1:55am BST 15/06/2007
Charlton striker Darren Bent last night turned down a move to Upton Park.
The 23-year-old England international was expected to sign for West Ham
after the two clubs agreed a fee. Charlton were to receive £16 million plus
Hayden Mullins for Bent, Charlton's top scorer for the past two Premiership
campaigns.
But after negotiations yesterday, the striker has rejected the chance to be
reunited with the man who took him to The Valley in 2004, current West Ham
manager Alan Curbishley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I Remain Perplexed - West Ham Till I Die
June 15th, 2007
I must admit to being a little perplexed at the reason for the breakdown of
Darren Bent's transfer. I am also a little perplexed by Yossi Benayoun. He
was clear that he was signing a new contract and yet now appears determined
to move to Liverpool, whose insulting offer was rightly turned down.
Apparently they only bid £3 million. Why on earth would they want to sign a
player they value at that amount? It seems we will now haggle over a swap
deal involving Craig Bellamy. As I have said before, I am not a fan. Sure,
on his day he can be a brilliant player, but he is too inconsistent and has
been disruptive at every club he has been at. If we do swap him for Yossi,
we shouldn't add more than £2 million to the deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Egg cracks over wage boom talk - TeamTalk
West Ham are closing in on Darren Bent but chairman Eggert Magnusson is
furious at claims the club are responsible for a players' wage boom. The
Hammers held meetings with Bent and his representatives on Thursday after
agreeing a fee with Charlton and it is understood he will undergo a medical
on Friday.
The signing of the 23-year-old England international would once again
underline Magnusson's ambitions for the club - but he insists some reports
about wages being offered by the Hammers are untrue. He also believes the
new Premier League television deal is causing clubs across the top flight to
offer higher salaries. Magnusson said: "We are making progress in our plans
to strengthen the squad over the summer period. "We are hopeful of making an
exciting announcement soon and Alan Curbishley and the board will continue
to work to get the right balance in the team for next season. "I know we are
moving in the right direction as a club and I also know the fans share our
ambitions for the future."
Magnusson has previously dismissed reports about defender Lucas Neill's
salary but has now been concerned at claims of the wages being offered to
Bent.
He added: "On a personal level I am, at times, frustrated by some of the
stories which appear in the media suggesting certain salary levels for our
players - many of which are simply factually wrong. "It is not right to
comment on every story or to use confidential information in public but I
can say the truth is often different to the reports."
According to reports, a fee of £16million plus midfielder Hayden Mullins has
been agreed after Charlton originally asked for £18million plus Mullins and
striker Marlon Harewood. Tottenham have also been pursuing Bent so West
Ham's capture of the striker would be a major coup. Magnusson said: "The
bottom line is that this is an ambitious club with a very sound financial
base and, as new owners, we are determined to move forward. "As we do that,
we can expect criticism from others but the most important thing is
delivering the true potential of this great club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bent says no to Upton Park switch - TeamTalk
Charlton have confirmed that striker Darren Bent has turned down a move to
West Ham after holding talks with Alan Curbishley's Irons. The 23-year-old
England hitman was expected to sign for the Hammers on Friday after the two
clubs agreed a fee for the player. Charlton were to receive £16million plus
Hayden Mullins for the 23-year-old England international, who has top-scored
for Charlton for the past two Premiership campaigns. But after negotiations
with the Hammers, the striker has rejected a switch to Upton Park and the
chance to be reunited with the man who brought him to The Valley in 2004,
current Hammers boss Curbishley. Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told
his club's official website: "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham
were the only club prepared to meet that valuation. "This morning we gave
them permission to speak to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to
join West Ham. "We therefore 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." However, Tottenham may have other ideas,
having expressed an interest in the former Ipswich striker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bent in £17m snub to Hammers - The Sun
By CHARLIE WYETT and ANDREW DILLON
June 15, 2007
DARREN BENT has snubbed a £17million move to West Ham. The Charlton striker,
23, does not want to work with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley. And Bent even
insisted he would rather play in the Championship than move to Upton Park.
The England star was expected to sign for the Hammers today on a five-year
contract worth an incredible £75,000 a week. His decision will come as a
massive blow for Upton Park chairman Eggert Magnusson — who also received a
transfer request from midfielder Yossi Benayoun last night. Liverpool have
been interested in the Israeli star, 27, and he could become part of boss
Rafa Benitez's Kop revolution. Bent spent yesterday in talks with Magnusson.
The Addicks were to receive £16m plus £1m-rated midfield ace Hayden Mullins.
But Bent stalled last night. And, while he is believed to be willing to play
for both Liverpool and Spurs, he would still be prepared to turn out at The
Valley next term. SunSport understands the Kop side and Martin Jol's
Tottenham have had £10m bids turned down by the Addicks board. Bent has been
No 2 on Benitez's hitlist and, after being told by Barcelona he had no
chance of landing Samuel Eto'o, he switched to the Englishman. Like
Liverpool, Spurs are offering Bent £35,000-a- week and guaranteed first-team
football. But Charlton have told both clubs they will only listen to offers
of £14m plus extensive add-ons — including goals, appearances and England
caps. Charlton chief executive Peter Varney revealed: "We set a valuation
for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that. "This
morning we gave them permission to speak to Darren and he decided not to
join West Ham. "We look forward to Darren starting with us in the
Championship next season, a massive boost to our chance of returning to the
Premier League." Magnusson admitted: "This is news to me. There is no better
club for him than West Ham." A Hammers club statement said: "We were unable
to agree personal terms and have ended our interest in the player.
"However, he was just one of several targets and we now focus our attention
on other signings."
c.wyett@the-sun.co.uk
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KOP EYE BENT - The Mirror
By Darren Lewis And John Cross 15/06/2007
LIVERPOOL last night emerged as shock contenders to snatch Darren Bent after
the England striker turned down a £17million move to West Ham. Tottenham
chiefs also held emergency talks at around 10pm last night with a view to
renewing their interest in Bent after the Hammers' operation to land the
forward fell apart spectacularly. A day that began full of backslapping for
Upton Park chiefs - who believed their formidable spending power had won the
day - ended in farce. Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson only discovered Bent
had changed his mind, after agreeing a £75,000-aweek five-year deal, after
being alerted to it on the TV news. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun then dropped a
bombshell that he wanted to leave after Liverpool showed interest. West Ham
were convinced they had beaten Spurs to agree a fee for Bent with Charlton.
Sources say talks went smoothly yesterday and that a medical was set for
today. But Bent then had a dramatic change of heart at around 8.45pm after
being informed of a renewed last-ditch bid from Reds boss Rafa Benitez. But
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney warned Bent he will refuse to sell him
unless he goes to the club that matches the Addicks' valuation. In a coded
warning Varney said last night: "We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham
were the only club prepared to meet that valuation. We gave them permission
to speak to Darren and he has decided not to join West Ham. "We look forward
to Darren starting with us in the Championship next season." Benayoun's
transfer request comes after he was offered a new £50,000-a-week five year
deal by West Ham, who will demand more than £5m for the Israeli.
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SWP FOR WEST HAM? - The Mirror
WEST HAM SPREE WILL GO ON SHAUN TARGET AFTER BENT SHOCK
Darren Lewis 15/06/2007
WEST HAM are set to turn their attentions back to £12million Chelsea winger
Shaun Wright-Phillips after Darren Bent rejected a £17m switch to Upton Park
last night. As revealed by Mirror Sport yesterday Bent jetted back from
holiday to discuss a five-year deal worth £75,000-a-week to move from
Charlton to West Ham, with midfielder Hayden Mullins agreeing to go the
other way. But after a day of negotiations, Bent turned down the move.
However, the Hammers hope that Wright-Phillips, who remains on their
shortlist of targets, will still be swayed by their ambition after they
persuaded Scott Parker to join from Newcastle. Wright-Phillips turned down
the chance to move to east London in January after boss Alan Curbishley had
a bid - believed to be around £12m - accepted by the deposed champions.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is thought to have been against the sale, even
though chances have been few and far between for the man who cost the Blues
£21m two years ago. And Wright-Phillips, 25, is believed to be keen to stay
and fight for his place. But West Ham are hoping they can put together a
financial package attractive enough to land the England winger, who scored
twice against them in their 4-1 defeat at Upton Park.
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson last night protested that the club were
not dishing out the monster money in wages that has leaked out of the club
this week. But privately West Ham are willing to do whatever it takes to bag
their targets. While Wright-Phillips could be set to leave Chelsea, Bolton
defender Tal Ben Haim yesterday joined on a five-year deal. The Israel
centre-half was wanted by Mourinho in January but the move was blocked by
Roman Abramovich. After turning down a move to Newcastle to be reunited with
former boss Sam Allardyce, Ben Haim said: "I'm proud to be at Chelsea. It
was a hard choice between Chelsea and Newcastle."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bent rejects West Ham's offer of £75,000 a week - The Times
Gary Jacob
Darren Bent last night turned down a move to West Ham United in the hope of
securing a switch to Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. West Ham had agreed a
fee of £16 million plus Hayden Mullins, the midfield player, for the
Charlton Athletic forward.
Bent had been offered a five-year contract worth about £75,000 a week during
talks at Upton Park yesterday — which would have made him the joint-highest
paid player at the club with Scott Parker, the midfield player, who joined
from Newcastle United last week. West Ham were the only club willing to meet
the asking price of about £17 million, but Bent's decision raises several
issues.
Alan Pardew, the Charlton manager, may now be hampered in the transfer
market because he needed the sale to fund signings and is unlikely to be
able to obtain the same fee from other bidders.
Tottenham are believed to be willing to offer only £12 million and Liverpool
have at least four other preferred targets. Those two clubs will not be
willing to pay Bent more than £55,000 a week, which is double his wage at
The Valley.
"West Ham were the only club to meet our valuation," Peter Varney, the
Charlton chief executive, said. "Darren has decided not to join them."
It is a significant blow to Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager. He signed
Bent for Charlton from Ipswich Town for £2.5 million two years ago. The
forward has since scored 31 goals in 68 league appearances, although his
strike-rate against the top sides has not been as favourable.
He scored only once in the eight meetings with the top-four sides in his
first season in the Barclays Premiership, but he fared better this term,
when he scored two in four matches against the same sides. By comparison,
Andrew Johnson, the Everton forward, scored 21 league goals for Crystal
Palace when they were relegated two years ago.
Curbishley has not found it easy signing players, despite having about £40
million to spend. He lost out on Mark Viduka, the Middlesbrough forward, and
Joey Barton, the Manchester City midfield player, both of whom moved to
Newcastle. Jermain Defoe, the Tottenham Hotspur striker, is unlikely to be
interested in a return to Upton Park. Curbishley may now turn to Craig
Bellamy, the Liverpool forward.
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Hammer blow to the market as Upton Park spending inflates prices - Daily
Mail
By MATT BARLOW - More by this author »
Last updated at 00:16am on 15th June 2007
The West Ham effect has put the fear of God into football. This is how it
works: A player is poised to sign for a new club, let's say Newcastle, when
the Hammers move in at the last minute and offer £15,000 a week more. To
avoid losing the player, Newcastle agree to match West Ham's £75,000-aweek
wage, which will cost them an extra £2.34million over the course of the
player's three-year contract. The player did not want to move to London
anyway, is happy in the north, but happily accepts the improved offer and
signs for Newcastle as planned. This actually happened. The player is Mark
Viduka, who moved to Tyneside from Middlesbrough on a Bosman free transfer
last week. This time, Hammers missed their target but they still left their
mark on another deal in a summer transfer market destined to be remembered
for West Ham-led inflation. And that's not all. Darren Bent met West Ham
representatives yesterday, despite previously seeming intent on joining
Tottenham to play in Europe. Eggert Magnusson dug into his Icelandic
coffers, slapped a £17m deal on the table and offered to pay Bent £75,000 a
week over five years. Spurs, a club renowned for their financial prudence,
had two options — compete financially, shattering their pay structure, or
pull out of the deal. Whatever the outcome now, with Bent last night
apparently snubbing the Hammers, the episode showed the east London club's
effect on the transfer market. Magnusson dismisses claims he is driving
football towards ruin with his strategy: He said: "The bottom line is that
we are an ambitious club with a very sound financial base and as new owners
we are determined to move forward. "As we do that we can expect criticism
from others but the most important thing is delivering the true potential of
this great club. "I know we are moving in the right direction as a club and
I also know the fans share our ambitions for the future."
If Spurs had even tried to match Bent's expected salary at West Ham, they
would then have been forced to treble Dimitar Berbatov's salary just to keep
him on a par with the new boy. Robbie Keane and Ledley King would also be
examining their contracts. So Spurs, the club closest to breaking into the
Big Four, can no longer compete with the wealth of Upton Park. A similar
round of inflation was triggered when Roman Abramovich arrived at Chelsea
four years ago.
Manchester United were forced to raise the stakes if they wanted to compete
for the same players but West Ham's new money is about to load pressure on
more vulnerable clubs. Can Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton compete
on a pay scale where England fringe players like Bent, Scott Parker and
Matthew Upson (12 caps combined) command a similar salary to Jamie Carragher
(34 caps) and considerably more than Paul Robinson (36)?
The deal which took Lucas Neill to Upton Park in January was a real
eyebrow-raiser because it declared Magnusson's intentions to pay decent
players a basic wage of £60,000 a week, much more than Liverpool could
offer. Lavish promises have been made this summer to try to lure Joey
Barton, Craig Bellamy and Andrew Johnson to London's East End. How long
before Johnson asks David Moyes for a raise, explaining that the going rate
for a player of his calibre has now doubled to £90,000 a week?
Dean Ashton, one of West Ham's better players, earns £25,000 a week. It is a
very good wage but he is entitled to wonder why he is so far behind the Bent
benchmark. There is general fear and unrest within the game. Many are
shifting uncomfortably but very few are willing to go public. One leading
agent, however, told Sportsmail of his fears that the West Ham effect was a
symptom of a wider problem which is leading the game into meltdown. He said:
"It's 'think of a number and double it' time. Transfer fees are going up in
leaps of £5m, salaries are going up in leaps of £10,000. "It's dangerous,
it's unsustainable. People with no football knowledge and no industry acumen
are sailing this ship on to the rocks."
Clubs may be aware of this but eating away at them from a different
direction is the fear of relegation. What is an extra £20m on the wage bill
compared with the drastic losses incurred if they slip out of the
Premiership? In the Championship, clubs are gambling to reach the promised
land. For instance, Leicester, backed by Milan Mandaric, are offering big
salaries as they aim for promotion. So, with West Ham and others prepared to
pay over-inflated fees and wages to achieve their goals, it may not be long
before Deloitte Touche's prediction of Premiership wages of £200,000 a week
becomes a reality.
TOP 10 ALL-BRITISH TRANSFERS
1 RIO FERDINAND Leeds to Man Utd £29.1m
2 WAYNE ROONEY Everton to Man Utd £27m
3 SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS Man City to Chelsea £21m
4 MICHAEL CARRICK Tottenham to Man Utd £18.6m
5 RIO FERDINAND West Ham to Leeds £18m
6 DARREN BENT Charlton to West Ham £17m
7 DAMIEN DUFF Blackburn to Chelsea £17m
8 ALAN SHEARER Blackburn to Newcastle £15m
9 JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON Man Utd to Chelsea £15m
10 LOUIS SAHA Fulham to Man Utd £12.8m
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Bent rejects West Ham to open door for move to Tottenham - The Independent
By Sam Wallace
Published: 15 June 2007
Darren Bent last night rejected the chance to sign for West Ham despite the
club offering around £18m for his signature - far in excess of the £12m that
Tottenham would be willing to make available. While Tottenham are yet to
make an official bid, the player's decision clears the way for them to sign
him.
Given the disparity of the wages on offer for the 23-year-old, by holding
out for Tottenham's bid it reveals the degree of his conviction that they
are the right club for him. Tottenham are understood to be offering personal
terms of £30,000-a-week, around half of what West Ham are prepared to pay.
It has always been Bent's preference that he move to Tottenham despite
reports that West Ham had sealed his signature.
It leaves West Ham in an embarrassing situation given that even the inflated
wages they are prepared to pay do not seem to be enough to persuade players
to join Alan Curbishley's rebuilding programme. The club chairman Eggert
Magnusson promised an "exciting announcement" earlier yesterday, although
that seems to have been premature.
It places Charlton in an awkward position because they had hoped to sell him
to the highest bidder. The club's chief executive Peter Varney said last
night that the player would start the season at Charlton, although it seems
inconceivable that they will not agree to sell him at some point.
"We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to
meet that valuation," Varney said. "We gave them permission to speak to
Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham."
The failure to sell Bent means that the anticipated burst of activity in the
transfer market has been delayed. Bent's transfer holds the key to a number
of players' futures including Craig Bellamy, Jermain Defoe and Andy Johnson.
It now seems that West Ham will have to target Bellamy, who is also sought
by Aston Villa.
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Bent shocks Hammers as he pulls out of £17m move
Matt Scott
Friday June 15, 2007
The Guardian
Darren Bent last night pulled out of a £17m transfer to West Ham United in a
shock 11th-hour decision. The decision led to his club, Charlton Athletic,
declaring that they expect him to begin next season in the Championship. But
that seems an unthinkable prospect for the England striker. Tottenham
Hotspur, his preferred destination, are monitoring developments.
A deal involving £16m plus Hayden Mullins - the former Crystal Palace
midfielder who was the first signing of Charlton's manager, Alan Pardew,
during his time at West Ham - had been set out between the clubs as early as
Tuesday and the 23-year-old Bent was expected then to sign personal terms.
Instead, Tottenham can be expected to formalise their interest in the coming
days, but Charlton regard the fee as now set. The club's chief executive,
Peter Varney, said that the Hammers had been the only club ready to stump up
the money for a player who has scored 31 Premiership goals over the past two
seasons.
"We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to
meet that valuation," said Varney. "This morning we gave them permission to
speak to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham. We
therefore 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."
However confident Bent might be of engineering a move to Spurs, it is a bold
decision by him and his new adviser, Neil Fewings, of the Wasserman Media
Group. That company took control of his affairs only three months ago when
he became its first signing after it bought the SFX agency and took over its
client list.
Bent's decision came as a shock to West Ham's Icelandic chairman, Eggert
Magnusson, who hours earlier had said he expected to make "an exciting
announcement soon".
Although in the same statement he denied reports putting Scott Parker's wage
at £75,000 a week and Lucas Neill's weekly take at £72,000, West Ham are
convinced it was outside influences, not their own inability to seal the
deal, which led to Bent's change of heart.
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West Ham turn to Liverpool striker Bellamy
tribalfooball.com - June 14, 2007
West Ham United are expected to move for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy
after Darren Bent pulled out of a deal yesterday. The Hammers want a pacy
forward and were stunned by Bent's decision to reject a £17 million switch
from Charlton Athletic. The Independent says the free-spending Londoners
will now turn to Bellamy to boost their attack.
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Liverpool target Benayoun hands in West Ham transfer request
tribalfooball.com - June 14, 2007
Yossi Benayoun has slapped in a transfer request at West Ham United. The Sun
says Liverpool have been interested in the Israeli star, 27, and he could
become part of boss Rafa Benitez's Kop revolution. Benayoun handed in his
transfer demand last night.
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West Ham: No going back for Bent
tribalfooball.com - June 14, 2007
West Ham United have confirmed they couldn't agree personal terms with
Darren Bent after the Charlton striker pulled out of a move to Upton Park
yesterday. In a statement on their website, West Ham said: "West Ham United
can confirm that, having reached agreement with Charlton Athletic on a
transfer fee for Darren Bent, discussions today took place with the player
and his representative. "Unfortunately, we were unable to agree personal
terms and have therefore ended our interest in the player. "However, Darren
Bent was just one of several transfer targets the Club have been pursuing,
and we will now focus our attention on securing other potential new signings
identified by Alan Curbishley and the board."
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