West Ham United are launching a stunning £17 million bid for Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent.

The Sunday Mirror says Bent is top of Alan Curbishley's wish list.

And with just three days left in the transfer window, the Hammers hierarchy accept they will have to table an offer the Addicks can't refuse.

After signing Lucas Neill from Blackburn and Calum Davenport from Tottenham to reinforce his defence and Nigel Quashie and Luis Boa Morte to strengthen the midfield, Curbishley has made Bent his top priority.

Curbishley believes Bent can keep the Hammers in the Premiership -but his goalscoring prowess carries a high asking price.

Charlton have been turning down bids from the likes of Tottenham. But a deal in the £17m range may be irresistible.

There's also the chance that, on top of a substantial cash sum, West Ham will offer the likes of striker Marlon Harewood and utility player Hayden Mullins in part-exchange.

Pardew worked with both at Upton Park. Harewood would be a direct replacement for Bent while Mullins would give the Charlton midfield energy and muscle.

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