Arsene Wenger will continue with his ‘Young Guns’ as Arsenal host Spurs in the Carling Cup. Click here for latest odds.

Charlton Athletic have turned an £18million bid from West Ham for Darren Bent, according to a report on Sky Sports News.

The bid comes despite a denial from West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on Monday that he would be returning to his former club for the striker. The Hammers’ bid came on the back of a fresh injury setback for Dean Ashton. The former Norwich striker has been out of action since breaking his ankle last August and he is at least five weeks away from returning to first-team action.

The two clubs are currently engaged in a relegation battle and Charlton boss Alan Pardew is reluctant to sell his principal asset to one of his rivals.

With the transfer deadline expiring on Wednesday night, it remains to be seen whether West Ham will make an improved offer for the England forward.

World Soccer editor Gavin Hamilton on West Ham’s bid for Bent

Arsene Wenger will continue with his ‘Young Guns’ as Arsenal host Spurs in the Carling Cup. Click here for latest odds.