Tottenham are the new favourites to sign Bent

Tottenham are favourites to land the 23-year-old England international after he turned down a move to Upton Park.

"The whole situation left me very frustrated," Magnusson told The Sun.

"We were so close to signing Darren and thought everything was in place to conclude what would have been the biggest signing in West Ham's history."

The Hammers had agreed a fee for Bent and boss Alan Curbishley had hoped to make him his second summer signing after bringing in Scott Parker from Newcastle for �7m.

Throughout the negotiations all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned Darren had decided not to join us. Eggert Magnusson

"I was really looking forward to making an announcement to our fans as we continue our plans to take this club forward and challenge the best teams in England," added Magnusson.

"West Ham acted in good faith in discussions throughout with Charlton, the player and his representatives.

"The deal we put in place seemed to work for everybody concerned. Throughout the negotiations all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned Darren had decided not to join us.

"I feel let down and disappointed. But it is time to move on."

However, Magnusson said he had been buoyed by the reaction from West Ham supporters in the wake of Bent's decision.

"In the aftermath of this I have been encouraged by the reaction of our supporters," said Magnusson.

"They appreciate the efforts we made and some of the feedback suggests they are less disappointed than I thought they might be.