CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew has clarified top-scorer Darren Bent’s immediate future, insisting that he will not be sold in the January transfer window.

Pardew left the door open to a possible move last Friday, hinting that the player’s injury could force a sale to raise funds for team strengthening.

Pardew set the record straight over Charlton’s most prized asset who has not played since damaging knee ligaments in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa on December 30.

“Darren Bent has not been offered to any club, despite what has been written in some newspapers,” said Pardew.

“Everyone seems to have jumped on Friday’s press conference. All I said was that if his injury was not clearing up as quickly as we hoped, then it might be a problem keeping him at the club.

“The good news is that his injury is clearing up faster than we thought. So on that front, it’s good news and Darren will be staying at Charlton for the rest of the season.”

On Saturday Charlton face fellow strugglers Middlesbrough at The Valley.

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