Corinthians say Tevez transfer not a done deal

BRAZILIAN outfit Corinthians insist they have not yet struck a deal to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

Speaking in Vancouver, Blues manager Roberto Mancini claimed an agreement had been reached between the two clubs and only personal terms had still to be thrashed out with the Argentina striker.

However, Corinthians responded by releasing a statement insisting this is not the case and that City have attempted to make changes to their initial agreement. “Regarding the news published during the early hours of today stating an agreement between Corinthians and striker Carlos Tevez, the (club) president Andres Sanchez would like to clarify to the public that Manchester City did not accept the Corinthians offer for the player,” read the statement. “The truth is that the club sent Corinthians a counter-proposal in the early hours, that due to the time difference only was noticed by the Alvinegra (white and blacks) management this morning.

“In the counter-proposal, the English club have asked for changes in the form of payment and on the value of the transfer. In addition, Manchester City has also insisted that Tevez would have to give up a pending amount with the English club.

“Lastly, president Andres Sanchez informs that for the time being there does not exist anything concrete for Tevez and the counter-proposal will be analysed by him and his management.”

In all likelihood, it is just a matter of time before Tevez heads back to the Brazilian club, whom he left for West Ham in 2006, triggering what has been an eventful and controversial five-year stay in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has made no secret of his desire to leave Manchester and move somewhere more accessible to his two young daughters.

His exit will leave a massive hole given he finished last term as captain and joint Golden Boot winner, justifying his status as the Premier League’s highest-paid player.

The search for Tevez’s replacement at the Etihad Stadium will intensify with City heavily linked with another Argentinian — Sergio Aguero of Atletico Madrid.

City are also keen on Arsenal’s Samir Nasri with manager Roberto Mancini’s public expression of interest sparking a row with Gunners counterpart Arsene Wenger.

Patrick Vieira, who has worked closely with both managers, has played down the dispute. The 35-year-old was speaking yesterday at the public unveiling of City’s ambitious plans for a new youth and first-team training facility in his new role as football development executive.

The Frenchman said: “This happens all the time. It is Mancini-Wenger, the next day it is Wenger-Ferguson, then Ferguson-Mancini. This happens. It is part of the game.

“The important thing is not to disrespect anybody and I don’t think anybody did disrespect anybody.

“Life keeps going. I think every club wants the best players, so it is a part of the game.”