Rivals confirm striker interest

Cardiff have confirmed they are showing an interest in Charlton striker Marcus Bent with a view to a summer swoop.

Bent is back at The Valley after failing to earn a permanent move to Wigan Athletic, where he spent last season on loan. The striker's future remains in limbo but Cardiff have now revealed they are interested and will hold more talks with the player before deciding whether or not to launch a bid.

City chairman Peter Ridsdale told the South Wales Echo: "Marcus is a player we have made enquiries about, but we have not made a firm bid for him yet. We have sounded out the possibility, but he is one of a list of players identified by Dave Jones that we are talking to.

"We do need a striker and we are working hard to bring in the right player as soon as we possibly can."

Addicks boss Alan Pardew would no doubt jump at the chance to get Bent off the wage bill after being told he has to sell before he can bring in new signings.