United close in on Tevez
06 Jul 2007 - 08:00:40
Manchester United are closing in on a spectacular deal to sign Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham United.
The 23-year-old, who is currently away on Copa America duty with his country, is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford in the next few days, with a fee of around £30million being mooted.
Tevez moved to England at the start of last season and struggled to find his feet at first, but he went on to score seven goals in ten games to guide the Irons to safety, including netting a crucial winner against the Red Devils on the final day of the season.
The diminutive frontman told The Daily Mail: "For me, Manchester United will be a sensational destination and to be a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad will be absolutely spectacular.
"My dream is to be an idol in English football and I can achieve this now."
"I am a player who thrives on challenges. I went to England to triumph in the Premiership and with West Ham I have achieved that first stage.
"Now I'm ready to move on to the next stage."
However, any transfer is likely to be closely monitored by the Premier League, with reports suggesting that a large slice of the fee involved could be payable to MSI chief Kia Joorabchain.
It was Joorabchian's ownership of both Tevez and Javier Mascherano that sparked the furore which saw the Hammers fined £5.5million during the season just ended.
A Premier League spokesman confirmed: "As far as we are concerned any deal to take Carlos Tevez away from West Ham has to be done directly with the club."