No Latics deal for Bent

Bruce decides against signing Charlton striker

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 11th June 2008

wigan marcus bent emile heskey tottenham

Bent: Too similar to Heskey

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Steve Bruce has decided not to pursue a permanent deal for Charlton striker Marcus Bent.

Bent moved to the JJB Stadium on a season-long loan last summer and scored seven goals as he played a key role in Wigan's successful battle against relegation.

The 24-year-old was hoping to stay with the Latics and a fee in the region of £1million was reportedly struck between the two clubs

However, Bruce has now had a rethink and come to the conclusion that Bent is too similar in style to Emile Heskey.

Bent has been sent back to The Valley with Bruce looking for a forward who can contribute in a different way.

"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."

Bruce is closing in on a move for Egypt international Amr Zaki while he has also been linked with Marseille's Djibril Cisse.