Marcus Bent reckons that failing to re-sign Gary Cahill is a massive mistake by his former side Crystal Palace.

Following two years with the Selhurst Park outfit, the experienced defender was released at the end of last season despite being offered a new contract.

Cahill missed 15 games last season with various muscle problems, but when fit, the former Chelsea and England man was a regular under Roy Hodgson – making 47 appearances across all competitions.

However, soon after his contract expired, and after Cahill had reportedly rejected a new deal, he confirmed his Palace exit on Twitter.

And whilst new manager Patrick Vieira has reacted to Cahill's departure by bringing in Joachim Andersen from Lyon and highly-rated young Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, Bent couldn't help but look back on a potentially poor decision from Palace.

When asked whether the Eagles might regret not keeping Cahill, he exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"I love him to bits, Gary. I don't know why he's not at a top club in the Premier League. It's a massive mistake, but maybe he wants to move.

"But, if they've not tried to give him the contract that he deserves, they've made a mistake because he's a good player, season pro and he knows the game."