Tevez deal talks on hold until June

Carlos Tevez has contributed to further uncertainty about his future at Manchester United by indicating that he will not know until the summer whether he will be granted a permanent deal. United suggested last summer that a £32m deal to make the Argentine a permanent fixture – he is only on loan to United until the end of the season from an investment funded headed by the businessman Kia Joorabchian – would be concluded by last month.

The delay prompted Tevez to voice his frustrations on the Argentine Radio Del Plata station, to whom he has now revealed that the uncertainties will persist for several months more. “I have the head start in Manchester and my idea is to stay here for a few more years,” Tevez said.”It would be very difficult to have to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world. I spoke with the [chief executive] of the club [David Gill], but nothing is signed yet. We are now waiting until June and we will see what happens.”

Tevez’s mood appeared calmer that when he told the same station last month that: “I don’t know what my future is. United know what they have to pay if they want me to stay.” But the 25-year-old’s uncertainty will encourage Manchester City. Mark Hughes is known to like Tevez and, as of last month, City were prepared to make a bid if Tevez’s future has not been tied up this summer.

Tevez’s form has improved in the past few months, with his fine display in United’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Tottenham of the calibre which may help persuade Sir Alex Ferguson that the sum being asked for the player by his owners is one worth paying. Internazionale are believed to be interested, as well as Real and Chelsea.

Ferguson declared last night that Chelsea have played into United’s hands by sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari and that the main threat to his side now comes from Liverpool, with Aston Villa still an outside bet.

“I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool,” Ferguson said in the match programme for his side’s game with Fulham last night. “However, I shall be keeping a wary eye on Aston Villa, who seem to have picked up the baton from Arsenal.

“I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience and proven success as Scolari. Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going, with everyone from owners, the board members, the supporters and the media demanding instant success and showing absolutely no patience in the pursuit of their ambition.”

Chelsea have now gone through four managers since they last won the title, less than three years ago, with Jose Mourinho’s departure followed by that of Avram Grant and Scolari, with Hiddink now at the helm on a part-time basis. “I would have thought it self-evident that winning prizes comes with stability and long-term planning,” said Ferguson. “Yet so often, when a club is faced with a few problems, wisdom flies out of the window in the hope that a new man can bring about a quick fix.

“I am sure Guus Hiddink will make an impact. But he has to start from scratch, putting together his own staff and gathering round him players of his choice which may take him some time.”

3

Premier League goals scored by Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez this season.