 Tevez has his heart set on a move to Manchester United |
Striker Carlos Tevez has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, according to his representatives. The Premier League says the transfer must be "done directly" with West Ham rather than his agent Kia Joorabchian.
And West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson insists the 23-year-old Argentine is a registered Hammers player and is expected to return for the new season.
But Joorabchian's lawyers say the deal has progressed with the "knowledge and permission" of the Upton Park outfit.
Tevez has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford, a proposed transfer he has described as a "dream", and it appears it has taken a step closer to being realised.
The statement from Joorabchian's lawyers read: "The circumstances surrounding Carlos Tevez's relationship with West Ham have been well documented in the media and footballing world.
"We confirm that Carlos Tevez has, with the knowledge and permission of West Ham, been in discussions with other clubs.
"Subsequently, personal terms have now been agreed with Manchester United.
 | My dream is to be an idol in English football and I can achieve this now |
"Carlos Tevez's representatives will work during the course of next week so that a move to Manchester United can be finalised as quickly as possible.
"The process for finalising the player's registration with Manchester United will be undertaken in accordance with appropriate procedures."
Tevez was involved in the saga that led to West Ham being fined £5m for breaching transfer rules, although they crucially escaped a points deduction.
The Premier League wants to ensure Joorabchian is not paid any of the fee after previous questions over the Argentine forward's "ownership".
And the waters are further muddied by the fact that West Ham, who insist they cut all ties with Joorabchian after they were fined in April, expect Tevez to return to east London after he concludes his international duties at the Copa America in Venezuela.
Magnusson said: "Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham player, contracted to the club until June 2010.
| 606: DEBATE |
"There is no agreement with West Ham for Carlos Tevez to leave the club and we expect him to return in time for next season's preparations.
"No decision on his future can be reached without the agreement of West Ham."
For their part, champions Man Utd are eager to distance themselves from any suggestion they have acted incorrectly, either in negotiating with the player or trying to push through a deal with Joorabchian.
"We have acted in good faith," said a club spokesman. "Carlos Tevez was given permission to speak to us and do a deal."
One possible avenue would be for West Ham to be paid a transfer fee and then agree a compensation figure with Joorabchian for breaching contracts with his company, Media Sports Investments (MSI), when the Hammers terminated third-party agreements following their fine.
It is understood though the League would want a substantial chunk of the transfer fee to remain at West Ham rather than it all be handed over to MSI in compensation, otherwise they could be accused of merely covering up the third-party agreements that have caused so much controversy.
Despite the confusion it is clear where Tevez sees his future.
He said: "I am a player who thrives on challenges. I went to England to triumph in the Premiership and with West Ham I have achieved that first stage.
"Now I'm ready to move on to the next stage. To be a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad will be absolutely spectacular.
"My dream is to be an idol in English football and I can achieve this now."