Tevez Deal Stalls

Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Old Trafford reached an impasse after West Ham refused to cancel the strikers' registration.

OK guys, we should brace ourselves for a long and exhausting transfer saga. Carlos Tevez looked set to join us - but the whole deal is in turmoil now.

Of course, the devilish link between Tevez, West Ham and MSI does not disappear easily. The Hammers were fined because they were found in breach of rules over third-party agreements. As a consequence, they now must hold onto the player and stick to their story that they have terminated all contact with MSI, otherwise the Premier League might dish out a heavier punishment.

However, MSI claim that the player does not have a permanent contract with West Ham as his loan period has now ended and all his economic rights are owned by Kia Joorabchian. As I said, West Ham cannot accept that, simply because they have to satisfy the Premier League's demands.

It's been reported that the Hammers, in accordance with what's been written above, rejected two written requests to cancel the players' registration. FIFA indicated they would be willing to look at the case but received no official enquiries so far. Meanwhile, United are reportedly ready to take the whole case to court, thus involving FA, FIFA, the Premier League, West Ham and everyone.

Another solution would be that West Ham sell Tevez to Manchester United while MSI sue West Ham to force them to pay compensation. However, Premier League won't accept that the amount of the compensation equals that of the transfer fee, for that would be an underhand way of paying the transfer fee to MSI - a large chunk of Tevez's fee must remain at West Ham.

Anything not clear? I suppose there are plenty of things in this case that no one understands. But of course, let's hope the Daily Mail got it right: the paper suggested that the two Uniteds and Tevez's representatives work on a possible agreement in the background.