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BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -Birmingham continued the rebuilding of its forward line Wednesday when it signed striker Marcus Bent from Charlton.
Having signed former England international Kevin Phillips from West Bromwich Albion last week, Birmingham paid "a fee in excess of 1 million pounds" (US$2 million; ?1.25 million) to acquire the 30-year-old Bent.
Bent, who scored seven Premier League goals on loan at Wigan last season, signed a three-year contract.
The former Everton, Ipswich and Blackburn player also joins fellow forwards James McFadden, Garry O'Connor and Cameron Jerome at the club, although more than one could be sold as Birmingham attempts to earn immediate promotion to the Premier League following last season's relegation.
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HULL, England (AP) - Hull has completed the signings of winger Peter Halmosi, midfielder George Boateng and goalkeeper Tony Warner.
The club, which is preparing for its first ever season in the Premier League, paid League Championship side Plymouth an undisclosed fee to sign Halmosi, a Hungary international, on a four-year contract.
Boateng cost 1 million pounds (US$2 million; ?1.25 million) and signed a two-year deal after leaving Middlesbrough, while Warner joined on a two-year contract as a free agent following his release by Fulham at the end of the season.
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NEWCASTLE, England (AP) - Former Newcastle captain Robbie Elliott has returned to the club as a coach under manager Kevin Keegan.
The 34-year-old former defender has become the club's strength and conditioning coach. He will work alongside senior fitness coach Mark Hulse.
Elliott made his Newcastle debut in 1991 and joined Bolton six years later before returning to the Magpies in 2001 for another five seasons. He made a total 188 appearances for his hometown club, scoring 12 goals.
