
Tevez deal may not beat deadline
FIFA have been called in to break the deadlock in the Carlos Tevez
dispute, although the transfer may not be completed before August
31.
United legal expert Maurice Watkins met with West Ham chairman
Eggert Magnusson in London on Tuesday, yet despite feeling
reasonably optimistic a solution could be negotiated, there was
only deadlock.
Although the Red Devils hope to push the matter through as quickly
as possible, there remains the real possibility Tevez, who has now
been allowed to start a short holiday, might not be signed before
the August 31 transfer deadline.
"Hopefully the case will be heard on an expedited basis but we are
not sure whether we will have him signed in time for the new
season," said Gill.
"It may take up to two weeks for the body to be formed, all the
paperwork has to be put together and then the case has to be
heard.
"Even given that timetable we hope by the time the new season kicks
off, Carlos will be training at Carrington."
Earlier this week, Gill, an influential FA board member, suggested
the whole saga had become "over-complicated".
However, it now looks like becoming even more problematic, with
Sheffield United no doubt keenly interested in how the matter is
eventually resolved given Tevez played such a huge role in sending
them down.
"All the discussions we have had over the last few weeks lead us to
believe this will be resolved in Carlos' favour," said Gill.
"Once that happens, he will be free to join Manchester
United."
While FIFA will examine all the documentation before deciding
whether they have any jurisdiction over the case, it seems certain
the Premier League - as well as West Ham - would be happy to abide
by any decision.
So, instead of having his medical, Tevez will now go on holiday,
hoping by the time he returns, he will only need to sign a contract
to become a United player.
"It was always Sir Alex's plan to give Carlos a break, so I expect
he will now go on an exotic holiday with his family," added
Gill.
"He has not completed a medical with us."