Latics still to take up Bent option

Last updated : 25 January 2008 By Paul Farrington

Marcus Bent
Bent has settled in the North West and has been in sensational form for the club, scoring some very important goals for the club, including a hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers.

Despite this, the Latics are yet to make his loan move from Charlton permenant. This news comes desptie the fact that the loan move has a clause allowing Bruce to sign Bent for just £1 million.

Charlton boss Alan Pardew said: "We have an agreement in place with Wigan for Marcus and we're a little bit surprised that they haven't taken up the option on him yet.

"I'm also surprised I haven't had a call from other Premier League managers wanting to sign him because his form has been very good this year. If things don't work out with Wigan, for sure Marcus could have a future with us - he's still under contract with the club."

Wigan boss Bruce has yet to reveal whether he wants Bent on a long term deal but with the signing of Marlon King offers little confidence in the clubs desire to hang on to Bent despite his excellent form.