Marcus Bent has played for 10 clubs in his career

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has decided against making Charlton Athletic striker Marcus Bent's loan move to the JJB Stadium permanent.

Bent, 30, was Wigan's top scorer last season with seven goals and was a key member of the side that avoided relegation from the Premier League.

But Bruce believes Bent is too similar to fellow forward Emile Heskey.

"I think Marcus played his best football for us when we were without Emile Heskey," said the Wigan boss.

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"We need someone who is going to score us goals, a striker who can play off Heskey, and hopefully we can do some business this summer," he added.

Bent was former manager Alan Curbishley's only signing in the January 2006 transfer window, where he joined for a fee of �2.5m from Everton.

Charlton chairman Richard Murray told the club's website: "We've recalled him from his year-long loan from Wigan where he was their top goalscorer and we will be distributing his name to other clubs to let them know he is available for transfer.

"I felt Marcus did really well at Wigan and I'm sure another Premier League club will come in for him."