Birmingham City have hijacked Charlton striker Marcus Bent's £1 million move to Cardiff.

Bent failed to attend a medical in Cardiff on Monday after the two clubs had agreed a fee and by Tuesday morning, the 30-year-old had opted for Birmingham having agreed improved personal terms.

"We are furious with the events leading up to Marcus Bent's move to Birmingham because everything had been agreed," said Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale.

"I would stress that Charlton have behaved impeccably throughout and no blame is attached to them."

Bent spent last season on loan with Premier League Wigan and was their seven-goal leading scorer.

But manager Steve Bruce declined to make the move permanent because he believed Bent and fellow striker Emile Heskey were too similar in playing styles.

Bent cost Charlton £2 million from Everton in January, 2006.