Yesterday Cardiff City announced the signing of an ex-Premiership striker and the future looked rosy. This morning, it emerges that they have scrapped the deal as the stiker looked elsewhere before committing to Ninian Park.

The Bluebirds had struck a deal with Charlton Athletic to bring ex-Everton and Blackburn striker Darren Bent to Wales. The player agreed terms and was due in Cardiff on Monday to complete a medical, when it emerged he had asked the Addicks to talk to Birmingham first.

Cardiff, while desperate for a striker after losing Robbie Fowler and having contract disputes with Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, quickly tore up the agreement, determined not to bring in a player who has his heart elsewhere:

Whilst at this stage we are unaware of whether he has been given permission to talk to Birmingham City, we only want players who are committed to Cardiff City Football Club and therefore have withdrawn from the deal.

However disappointing this may be, we are completely focused on bringing in the right players prior to the new season starting.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale was understandably dissapointed by Bent’s behaviour after the deal seemed done and dusted:

It’s disappointing and I feel extremely let down because the player agreed to come.

This now leaves the door open for Birmingham to make a move for the 32-year-old striker, but Charlton have not stated if Bent was given permission to speak to the Blues or not.

Bent has never been a deadly striker, never scoring more than 9 in a Premiership season and regardless of being relegated with 4 different clubs, somehow managed to command over £8 million in transfer fees.

With his poor record, age against him, a reported £1 million fee and seemingly poor attitude, will this be a great escape for cash-strapped Cardiff? I think so and it would be great to see Birmingham reject him for his actions as well. Sadly, football doesn’t always work like that.