Tevez unfazed by deal delay

United striker still expects to sign permanent contract

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 4th January 2009

Tevez unfazed by deal delay

Tevez: Uncertain future

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Carlos Tevez remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached to make his loan deal at Manchester United permanent.

The Argentine ace is set to see his two-year contract with the club come to an end this summer, but is yet to have his long-term future resolved.

Speculation has suggested that he may decide to accept a new challenge away from Old Trafford, with first-team opportunities having proven hard to come by this term.

However, Tevez insists he wants to remain with the reigning Premier League champions and is not reading too much into United's failure to tie him down.

"We have not started talks with Manchester United yet, though I am keen to stay," he declared.

"Sir Alex Ferguson has told me he wants me to remain a United player and that is certainly my desire too.

Relationship

"My contract ends in the summer and we have agreed to sit down at the end of the season and discuss a new contract, nothing I have heard from the club suggests it will be otherwise.

"There is simply no reason to sit down now. I have a great relationship with Sir Alex and I hope that will continue long into the future."

The man who presides over Tevez's economic rights, Kia Joorabchian, also believes a deal can be struck with United.

He added: "Manchester United have indicated they would like to sign Carlos for the long term, but we have not started negotiations yet.

"There is no urgency as his contract runs until the summer. Carlos has always said his intent is to stay at United and nothing has changed.

"The supporters have been amazing to him and he loves the club."