United close in on Tevez
Manchester United last night appeared to have won the race to sign Carlos Tévez. The West Ham United forward, who is playing in the Copa America in Venezuela, has told his Argentina teammates that a deal has been agreed for him to play at Old Trafford next season. Tévez has been coveted by some of the top European clubs this summer, including Inter Milan, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid, after his rousing performances and seven goals were largely responsible for keeping West Ham in the Premiership last season. Their survival was ensured when his perseverance allowed him to score the only goal in the defeat of United at Old Trafford on a dramatic final day of the season in May. It is likely that Tévez will move to United initially on a 12-month loan deal, with a fee of about £4million payable to Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the economic rights to the player, and wages in excess of £3m.
Gary Jacob, The Times
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail claim Sir Alex has told Alan Smith he has no future at Old Trafford. Smith has recently been linked with moves to Everton and Sunderland.
The same paper report Real Madrid could poach United fitness coach Valter di Salvo. The Italian previously worked at the Bernabeu alongside the Reds' assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz.
Elsewhere, The Sun claim Sir Alex has been told he must sell before he can buy any more players. United have already splashed out on Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves and the paper say it's essential the Reds boss now cashes in on some of the squad's fringe players.
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