Tottenham smash transfer record to land Bent

Tottenham's Anthony Gardner (L) chases Charlton's Darren Bent during a Premiership match at White Hart Lane stadium in 2005. Tottenham have smashed their transfer record to sign Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton.

Tottenham smashed their transfer record on Friday to sign England striker Darren Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton.

The 23-year-old cost the club 5.5 million pounds more than Ukraine forward Sergie Rebrov when he joined from Dynamo Kiev in 2000.

Bent's signing will also provide a windfall for his first club Ipswich Town, who like Charlton will play in the Championship next season, as they will receive 20 percent of the fee due to a clause in Bent's contract when he left the Suffolk club to join Charlton.

Bent was delighted to sign for one of the few clubs capable of challenging the big four in the English Premiership.

"Tottenham have a lot of young English players and it's a young squad, it's a squad going forward and that's the direction I wanted to take.

"They seem to be getting better and better every season and I would love to be part of that.

"It helps a lot that I know a few of the lads from England internationals and I'm sure they will help me settle in.

England's Darren Bent during an international against Uruguay in 2006. Tottenham have smashed their transfer record to sign Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton.

"It's exciting times for me and the club, hopefully I'll show what I can do at Tottenham and we'll go on to win things."

Bent scored 15 goals last season but that was not enough to save Alan Pardew's men from relegation and his move from The Valley had been anticipated since Charlton's demotion was confirmed.

West Ham made the first move for Bent but he turned down the chance to be reunited with Alan Curbishley, who brought him to the Premier League from Ipswich two seasons ago.

He bolsters a Spurs attack that scored more than 60 goals last season - and that without Egyptian Mido who is expected to leave White Hart Lane.

Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane were Jol's first choice for the big games, with Jermain Defoe adding 18 goals as the third striker. The form of Berbatov and Keane means Bent will face a tough battle to get into the first 11.

Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: "The two signings we've completed so far in Darren and Gareth Bale offer us massive improvement in terms of the squad, players with great potential whose best days are in front of them."

Charlton striker Darren Bent rises above Tottenham defender Michael Dawson during a Premiership match in May 2007. Tottenham have smashed their transfer record to sign Bent in a 16.5 million pounds deal from relegated Charlton.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray added: "Realistically, it was always going to be difficult to hang on to a player of his quality following relegation, but we feel we have negotiated the best deal possible for the club and, after a payment to Ipswich, it's a sum of money that will cushion the effects of relegation for the club."

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney admitted that Bent was always going to leave the club once relegation from the Premiership had been confirmed.

"He's done a great job for us here and we wish him all the best but, being an England international, he's keen to stay in the Premiership.

"That's the reality when you get relegated," he told Sky Sports. "I know fans will be disappointed but I think they are also realistic. The Premier League is the place to be if want to play for your country."