4.15pm update
West Ham finally agree to release Tevez
Premier League ratifies deal which frees striker's way to Manchester United
Friday August 3, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
One of this summer's most arduous transfer sagas appears to have come to a close after West Ham confirmed that they have agreed a £2m settlement with Media Sports Investments, the representatives of Carlos Tevez, which will allow the striker to leave the club.
Tevez, who passed a medical at Old Trafford this morning with a view to a two-year loan deal, is expected to be confirmed as a Manchester United player early next week, when the move's official paperwork goes through.
The agreement confirms that West Ham have a valid player's contract with Tevez and that they hold his playing registration. United, meanwhile, will pay around £5m per year, and have the option of making the deal permanent.
Tevez will earn around £3.5m a season and could make his debut against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday week.
The Premier League has ratified the deal, revealing it is satisfied that West Ham had behaved in line with their undertakings when they terminated the third-part deals with Joorabchian in April. "The Premier League can confirm that its board has received and considered a proposal for the settlement of the dispute between Carlos Tevez and West Ham," read a statement.
"The decision of the board, having received leading counsel's opinion, is that the agreement reached is compliant with the rules of the Premier League and consistent with the undertakings given by West Ham United to the Premier League board at various times since April 27 2007. This will lead to the cancellation of Tevez's registration, thereby releasing him to join another club in due course."
Joorabchian confirmed the agreement brings to a close the legal proceedings he had set in motion against the club. "We are delighted that a settlement has been reached between all parties to secure Carlos Tevez's move from West Ham United to Manchester United," said Joorabchian.
"Our primary concern has always been to resolve this issue amicably and to allow Carlos to pursue his ambition to play for Manchester United. Carlos is looking forward to being a Manchester United player and his ambition is close to being achieved. We would like to thank Manchester United for all their patience and support throughout."
The West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson was relieved the affair has finally been concluded. "All parties involved can now move on and truly focus on the new season," he said. "I wish Carlos Tevez well for the next stage of his playing career. He is a fine player and I am sure he will be successful wherever he plays football. Personally, I am looking forward to the next stage of our development as a club and for what I hope will be a very exciting new season in the Premier League."
