Bent makes Lane switch

Premier League / Editor / 29 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Despite smashing their club record to sign Charlton and England striker Darren Bent for £16.5million, Betfair customers don't expect Tottenham to break the strangle hold of the 'Big Four'.

Bent passed a medical at White Hart Lane on Thursday and has signed a contract for up to six years, with the transfer fee to be paid in instalments.

Charlton will receive an initial payment of around £14million for the 23-year-old, with further payments due should Spurs qualify for the Champions League and Bent add to his two England caps.

Punters don't appear to be too impressed by Martin Jol's new capture though, with Spurs tipped to finish outside the Champions League places.

Chelsea and Manchester United head the 'Top Four' market at 1.05, with Liverpool on offer at 1.23 and Arsenal trading at 1.56. Tottenham are next best at 3.75 with Newcastle available to back at 8.2.

Speaking about his cross-London move, Bent said: "Tottenham have a lot of young English players and it's a young squad, it's a squad going forward and that's the direction I wanted to take.

"It's exciting times for me and Spurs and hopefully I'll show what I can do.

"They seem to be getting better and better every season and I would love to be part of that."