Rivals snap up Addicks ace

Birmingham have completed the signing of striker Marcus Bent from Charlton in a deal worth in excess of £1million.

The 30-year-old, who played in the Premier League with Wigan last season, has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal at St Andrew's and becomes Alex McLeish's fifth signing.

Bent, who has also enjoyed spells at Everton, Blackburn, Ipswich and Sheffield United, made 31 appearances for the Latics last season and will now try to help Birmingham back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Things didn't go as well as hoped during his three season stint at the Valley, with the striker scoring just five goals in over 50 appearances for the Addicks.