Tevez linked with move to United

LONDON, England -- Argentina international striker Carlos Tevez is on the brink of a move to English Premier League champions Manchester United - the Press Association is reporting.

Tevez is currently on duty for his country in the Copa America in Venezuela, but it is understood that his representatives and United are close to sealing an agreement for the 23-year-old once the tournament finishes on July 14.

His signing for Premier League West Ham at the start of last season, alongside international colleague Javier Mascherano, became mired in controversy about doubts whether the east London club actually owned his registration.

The Hammers, who narrowly avoided relegation, thanks in the main to Tevez's seven goals in the final 10 Premier League games, were eventually fined $11 million by the English Football Association for irregularities in connection with the transfers.

But they avoided a points deduction and Sheffield United, who did drop into the second flight, are considering a civil court action to challenge the decision.

The Hammers are also embroiled in a legal dispute with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian, who runs the company Media Sports Investment (MSI), after the club terminated an agreement giving the rights to any transfer fee for the player during transfer windows.

West Ham could dig their heels in and refuse to let him move without a fee, which would spark another legal wrangle.

It is more likely however that they will decide the best way to end the whole controversy surrounding the player is to allow him to move on a free transfer, especially given that they did not pay a fee for him last summer.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with Tevez, who turned down a move to Italian champions Inter Milan.

United manager Alex Ferguson is reported to have sanctioned a move for Tevez, who would join the Old Trafford other summer recruits in England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Portugal winger Nani, Brazilian midfielder Anderson and keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. E-mail to a friend