Last Minute Talks

Hopes were rising yesterday of a negotiated settlement to the Carlos Tevez affair as West Ham executives met representatives from Media Sports Investment and Just Sports Inc. According to The Guardian, the talks are thought to be the first held in person between executives of the two sides since a writ was served on the club by MSI-JSI last week. Eggert Magnusson was not involved in the negotiations because he is expected to be called as a witness if the case reaches the high court for a three-day hearing from August 22. Although the meeting broke up last night without an agreement, a positive outlook was being maintained by both sides as they look to secure a last minute deal. A compromise must now be reached within the next 24 hours before Joorabchian and his company Media Sports Investment are compelled to lodge all their papers with the High Court.

Speaking in the Mail, Carlos Tevez has pleaded for his move to Manchester United to be speeded up to prevent his performances suffering in the early part of the season. The delay is reported to be demoralising the 23-year-old striker, who said: "We need a solution quickly so that I can get on with my career. To play for a super club like Manchester United without any preseason work behind me is going to be a real handicap. I am a fighter and am prepared for any challenge. In my career I have demonstrated this many times. But this is going to be very difficult. I desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties arrive at an agreement because I just want to play. I am not responsible for all this bureaucracy. Mentally I am prepared for to play for United at any moment, but physically it may be more difficult the longer this goes on. My hope was I'd be involved in the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. That I am not is very painful."