According to a variety of sources (some of them reputable), Carlos Tevez is nearing a move to Manchester United. The Argentinian has been the subject of a great deal of news over the last few weeks. More often that not this has been with reference to his original move to West Ham and the rules that were allegedly broken.

A number of clubs from England, Italy and Spain were keen to sign him, and there was also the hope, however misguided, that West Ham would be able to persuade him to continue his cult-hero status at Upton Park. He had claimed that he wanted to concentrate on his nation's attempt to lift the Copa America, currently taking place in Venezuela, before thinking over his options. It seems that he could wait no longer and Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have secured another big-money move following the capture of Owen Hargreaves, Nani, and Anderson.

Premiership big boysChelsea, Arsenaland Liverpoolwere all reported to be in the chase and who can say how real or imaginary their intentions were? ACMilan and Real Madrid are also admirers of the 23-year-old. He could have quite easily fitted in at any of these clubs as his versatile forward playing role would have adapted well to teams with an established striker, or as a front man on his own.

'Some would argue that the Argentinian is far more valuable a player than Fernando Torres and I would agree'


Although he took a little while to adjust to life in the Premiership and at West Ham in general, he soon took to life in England like a duck to water (cliché No 1) and his performances towards the close of the season inspired the Hammers. He is clearly a charismatic player who gives 100 per cent to the cause (cliché No 2) and is a player who gets the same back from his team-mates. It is rare for such a high-profile foreign player to0 be fighting valiantly for a club at the wrong end of the table. This fact was not lost on Hammers fans, who will be saddened to hear that could be leaving but I would expect nothing but a rousing ovation from the fans when United visit.

At Old Trafford, Tevez will naturally fit in well alongside Wayne Rooney, but will have to adapt to playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who will still expect to be first choices. And then there is the small matter of Nani and Anderson.

Sir Alex is rapidly assembling a squad capable of fielding two line-ups of world-class internationals both of which could challenge in the Premiership. No wonder they are looking to offload the likes of Kieran Richardson and Mikael Silvestre. Tevez's signing, should it be finalised as expected, will bring United’s spending since the season's end to well over £60m.

It is anyone’s guess as to how much Tevez will cost United. It may well exceed the £26.5m that Liverpool have just spent on Fernando Torres. Some would argue that the Argentinian is far more valuable a player than the Spaniard, and I would agree, but what both transfers do show is that the £16m that Arsenal picked up for Thierry Henry was way short of his real value.

One thing is for sure. Sir Alex and the Glazers will be looking very carefully at the small print in the contract.