Tevez future looks set to be decided once and for all

Manchester United have said today that the future of Carlos Tevez will be resolved in early June. The Argentine forward has been the centre of much speculation, for a large part of this Premier League season.

His substitution yesterday in the match against Arsenal, which saw United lift the Premier League crown, suggested that it might be his last game at Old Trafford. However, the echoes flying out of Manchester today suggest that United would like Tevez to stay and have started working on the terms and details.

The point is that Tevez is not contracted to a club, he is contracted to an agent, Kia Joorabchian. The sum of money reportedly being asked for to make Tevez into a permanent United player is thought to be in excess of £25 million, making the total paid by United for his services £35 million.

Both Tevez and Sir Alex Ferguson have expressed their desire to get the matter sorted and Tevez would jump at the chance to stay at a club where he is worshipped by the fans. It would also save a headache for Ferguson who will want to keep one of his most influential players.

United’s Chief Executive, David Gill, said today: “The actual situation will be cleared up in early June. Carlos has done very well. We would like him to stay but the actual economic situation needs to be clarified.”

United were offered support yesterday by European officials that suggested Tevez’s contract with Joorabchian was nothing more than on an employment type basis, suggesting that Tevez could join United permanently for free. However, the West Ham United and Sheffield United affair showed just how ugly a tussle over Tevez can get and United will not want a repeat in a summer where they will be keeping an eye on many other stars.

The news is positive for United fans though, and for playing staff alike. Tevez does not seem to have an ego and is the sort of player that will run himself into the ground over 90 minutes for his club. He seems genuinely pleased to be where he is and has often kissed the United badge on scoring this season.

It doesn’t make sense to get rid of a player that everyone seems to adore and get on with. There will be a lot of arm wrestling to get him released from whatever current agreement he is held to but United clearly admire and respect Tevez enough to consider it as an option.

Gill’s promise that the matter will be sorted swiftly will be relief to admirers of the club as reports all season long have linked Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo with moves to Spain. It proves that the club has further ambition, despite ample glory, and is determined to not be pushed around by any outside parties.

If a reasonable deal can be reached and all parties concerned are happy then Tevez will be wearing the red shirt of United at the start of next season. Let’s hope the speculation stops and the matter can be settled once and for all.