Striker move ruled out

Marcus Bent has returned to Charlton after Wigan boss Steve Bruce ruled out a permanent deal for the striker.

The Latics boss was thought to be ready to pay just £1million to make 30-year-old Bent's loan move permanent, but now admits he wants another type of frontman.

Bent moved to the JJB Stadium on a season-long loan last summer and his seven goals played a key role in Wigan's successful battle to stay in the Premiership.

But Bruce has now had a rethink and believes Bent is too similar in style to Emile Heskey - who he clearly expects to be able to keep at the club.

"I think Marcus played his best football for us when we were without Heskey," Bruce explained in the Daily Star.

"We need someone who is going to score us goals, striker who can play off Heskey.

"Hopefully we'll do some business soon."

Bent has been sent back to The Valley with Bruce's search for a forward to compliment Heskey focused on Egyptian star Amr Zaki.