Tevez on brink of United switch

Premier League / Editor / 05 July 2007 / Leave a Comment

Premiership champions Manchester United are expected to complete the shock signing of striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham by the weekend.

Representatives of the 23-year-old, who is on international duty with Argentina playing in the Copa America in Venezuela, are due to enter talks with club officials and a deal could be wrapped up by the end of Friday.

The Red Devils have already sent out a warning to their title rivals by shelling out almost £50million on Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani, but Old Trafford chief executive David Gill also left the door open for a big-money striker deal during the close-season.

Tevez's arrival is likely to impact on United's chances of successfully defending their crown, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men on offer as the marginal 2.54 favourites ahead of Chelsea (2.66) on Betfair's title winner market.

West Ham wanted to keep hold of the playmaker after he helped them retain their Premiership status - ironically with the winning goal against United on the final day of last season.

Tevez has already turned his back on a summer switch to Serie A with Internazionale and Liverpool's club-record £20million capture of 23-year-old Spain star Fernando Torres would seemingly ruled out of move to Anfield.

Tevez is tipped to join United on a loan deal with a view to a permanent deal in 12 months' time.

His goals for a struggling Hammers side last season will have caught Ferguson's eye with the Old Trafford chief growing increasingly frustrated by Louis Saha's injury problems.