Wednesday 17 September 2014 12:40, UK
Charlton Athletic manager Bob Peeters has sought to play down rumours linking him with Darren Bent and Danny Graham.
A return to The Valley for former England international Bent has been mooted amid his ongoing struggles at Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old frontman is back in Paul Lambert’s first-team plans, after spending the 2013/14 campaign on loan at relegated Fulham, but he is not guaranteed a regular role.
That has sparked speculation that he could be tempted to look elsewhere for minutes, with a second stint at Charlton – where he enjoyed a productive two-year spell between 2005 and 2007 – reported to be under consideration.
It is good that these players are being linked with us because at the start of the season no-one wanted to join us. That must mean we are doing a good job.
Another frontman currently struggling for Premier League recognition, Sunderland forward Graham, is another said to figure prominently on Peeters' wish list as he plots a foray into the loan market.
The Belgian is, however, reluctant to be drawn into a debate regarding possible targets at this stage.
He said after a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday: “Darren Bent? That is the first I have heard of it.
“I heard that another striker, Danny Graham, from Sunderland was coming in as well.
“It is good that these players are being linked with us because at the start of the season no-one wanted to join us. That must mean we are doing a good job.”
Peeters concedes that he is open to bolstering his attacking ranks over the coming weeks, but is adamant that he will not be breaking the bank for any new recruit.
He added: “When I see certain wages, then I do not think we are going to bring anyone in because there are people asking for ridiculous money.
“We have a policy where we are not going to pay ridiculous money for players just because they come from the Premier League.
“We need to give credit to the players here and we do not need to spend money that we might need in January. Because in January, we will see where we stand and then we might do something.
“At the moment, if everyone stays fit, we have a good squad.”
