West Ham block Tevez medical plans

LONDON, England -- Manchester United's hopes of finally capturing Carlos Tevez suffered another delay on Tuesday when they failed to secure permission from West Ham to carry out a medical on the Argentine striker.

Tevez returned from playing in the Copa America in Venezuela via Manchester where United had been preparing to put the 23-year-old through a series of fitness and medical checks before a potentiel transfer.

However, one club is not allowed to give a player a medical unless his current club agree and although United have made West Ham aware of their wishes, the London side will not give formal permission for until they have been made - and accept - an offer.

West Ham remain adamant they hold Tevez's registration; that he is contracted to them for another three years and that they have unilaterally terminated all third-party agreements with Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian.

Joorabchian maintains his company Media Sports Investments (MSI) own the economic rights to the player, who has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United.

The Premiership champions and West Ham held talks at the Premier League's offices in London on Tuesday in an effort to resolve the situation but no agreement was reached.

United chief executive David Gill, who is in the Far East on the club's tour, insisted on Monday a medical would take place this week but said the deal had become "over-complicated".

Aston Villa have completed the signing of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old forward has signed a three-year deal to join former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker in the West Midlands.

Harewood has been linked with several clubs since the end of last season and had been expected to join Wigan until Villa closed in on his signature.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "I'm delighted that he's accepted the invitation to come and join us.

"I know there were other teams wanting to take him, but he's prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the first team.

"I'm delighted to have him. He's a strong lad, very athletic and if he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset.

"Marlon's prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that's what we want at this football club. He's a confident lad who's willing to fight for his place."

Harewood said: "The manager is aiming high next season and it's great to be part of his plans.

"I want to recapture the form I showed a couple of seasons ago, when West Ham got into the cup final and we did so well in the league."

Veteran Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel is on the verge of a free transfer move to Everton, the English Premiership club said on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old, who has won 89 caps and played at the 2006 World Cup as well as Euro 1996 and Euro 2004, spent last season at Real Betis in Spain.

He has also played for Grasshoppers Zurich, PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan.

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told www.evertonfc.com: "We are in negotiations with the player and he will be coming shortly to discuss personal terms with a view to signing a contract." E-mail to a friend