Bent NOT Coming to Newcastle

By Nick Raynor
July 19 2006

Any hopes Newcastle United had of signing Charlton’s Darren Bent have gone as he signed a four-year contract with the Addicks.

With only Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen the recognised strikers on the payroll at St. James Park, and Owen expected to be out for months, Newcastle are desperate for a striker.

 

Although Bent was overlooked for the England squad, he was the highest scoring Englishman in the Premiership last season, bagging 18 goals.

 

But the 22-year-old, who was linked with a move away from The Valley, has quashed rumours by putting pen to paper on a new 4-year deal.

 

Bent said:

 

"I am delighted to bring to an end all the Press speculation about my future.

 

"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 always knew Charlton was the place I wanted to play this season,"

 

"Obviously, it's flattering when you've got big clubs mentioning your name left, right and centre, but I just tried to focus and concentrate when I was playing pre-season for Charlton.