Bent heads for Blues

Birmingham have completed the signing of striker Marcus Bent from Charlton after his dramatic change of heart over a proposed switch to Championship rivals Cardiff.

The 30-year-old has penned a three-year contract at St Andrews in a deal that could be worth over £1m – with a host of add-on fees reportedly involved.

Bent’s transfer comes just 36 hours after it emerged the London-born marksman had made an 11th-hour u-turn regarding an agreed switch to Cardiff and failed to turn up for his medical.

After spending time at Everton, Ipswich, Blackburn and Sheffield United, Bent enjoyed a loan spell at Premier League side Wigan last season where he scored seven goals in 31 appearances – including a brace against Blues at St Andrews.

He becomes the fifth senior striker at the club alongside James McFadden, Kevin Phillips, Garry O’Connor and Cameron Jerome.