Charlton have told Championship rivals Cardiff to think again and come back with an improved offer if they want striker Marcus Bent.

Manager Alan Pardew confirmed: "We've had a bid from Cardiff, which we've rejected. At the moment Marcus is our player until such times as someone comes in with an offer that meets with our valuation.

"There is interest from other clubs in Marcus so if Cardiff want to remain in the hunt for his services, they will have to come in with a stronger bid."

Central defender Madjid Bougherra returned on Thursday from an extended break having been on international duty with Algeria with Pardew denying that the club had accepted a £2 million offer from Spanish side Real Betis.

"We have not agreed anything with Real Betis. I don't know where that story came from."

Bougherra, 25, cost Charlton £2.5 million when they signed him from Sheffield Wednesday in January, 2007.