News of the World claims that City will launch a
£30million raid to steal Tevez from their cross-town rivals, who
have yet to tie the Argentine forward to a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old is currently serving the second season of a
two-year loan spell at Old Trafford. It was expected United would
offer him a permanent deal during the summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson
recently revealed that no new contract would be forthcoming until
the end of the season.
The exact reason for the delay remains unclear; however, the
general consensus is that the £31million deadline-day purchase of
Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur has left the Red Devils'
transfer kitty dry.
Mark Hughes and co will have a tough time convincing Tevez to make
the switch to Eastlands, as the former West Ham star recently
declared that he wishes to see out his playing days at
United.
But working in the Citizens' favour is their flourishing
relationship with Kia Joorabchian, the figurehead for Media Sports
Investment (MSI) - the firm that owns Tevez's contract - and the
man largely responsible for bringing Robinho to the City of
Manchester Stadium.
If United cannot wrap up a deal by next summer, then MSI will sell
Tevez to the highest bidder - and with City bolstered by the
near-unlimited financial resources of new owners Abu Dhabi United
Group, they would have to considered favourites if push comes to
shove.
It is understood that the Sky Blues may seek to open negotiations
with MSI as early as January, although a winter transfer would be
extremely unlikely given Tevez will still have half a season
remaining on his loan with United.
