Spurs sign striker Bent from Charlton for club record fee

LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) Striker Darren Bent moved across London from Charlton Athletic to Tottenham Hotspur today for a club record 16.5 million pounds fee.

Bent, 23, who has played twice for England, turned down a move to West Ham United earlier this month. Spurs manager Martin Jol confirmed the signing on their Web site.

''Darren's strength is his stamina,'' he said.

''Normally players will make runs three or four times in 45 minutes, he will do it all the time and if you manage to play balls behind the defence, he will be there. That's what I like about him.

''He knows Spurs is the place to be and that's something to be proud of.'' Bent made 77 appearances for Charlton scoring 37 goals after joining from Ipswich Town two years ago but could not stop Charlton being relegated from the Premier League last season.

He is the second major Tottenham signing of the close season following Gareth Bale's arrival from Southampton and joins a club competing in the UEFA Cup next season.

His arrival boosts Spurs forward line of Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Mido, but could signal the departure from White Hart Lane of Defoe before the start of the new season.

REUTERS TB RK1455