Bent, 22, had been attracting interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham, but Charlton manager Iain Dowie has persuaded him to stay at The Valley.

The former Ipswich star, who made his England debut against Uruguay in March, was the top-scoring English striker in the Premiership last season with 18 goals.

Bent told Charlton's website: "I am delighted to bring to an end all the press speculation about my future.

"Although I am flattered to be linked with the biggest clubs in the country, I owe Charlton a lot after they gave me my chance in the Premiership."