Curbishley still out to get Bent

Charlton are engaged in a game of brinkmanship with Ipswich over England Under-21 striker Darren Bent.

Ipswich rejected Charlton's £3million bid for the 20-year-old but Alan Curbishley is still hopeful of bringing Bent to The Valley by the time the transfer window closes at midnight.

Charlton's offer remains on the table but they are unwilling to match Ipswich's £5m valuation. Curbishley's need for new recruits was illustrated by Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Manchester City, the second time Charlton have conceded four goals away from home this season.

City scored through a Nicolas Anelka brace, Trevor Sinclair and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Curbishley, who has already signed Danny Murphy and Francis Jeffers this season, is also considering strengthening at the back.

He said: "We're going to try to bring players in right until the transfer deadline passes."