FIFA to rule on Tevez row

Tevez - recently returned from Copa America duty in Venezuela - arrived in Manchester for a medical on Tuesday afternoon, but reports suggested that West Ham had refused him permission to take part.

The case will be referred to the world governing body's 'dispute resolution chamber'. Red Devils chief executive David Gill expressed his confidence that the Argentina star will be cleared to join.

"There have been a lot of discussions with the Premier League, West Ham and Maurice Watkins (United's lawyer) over the last few days," Gill said from the club's pre-season tour in Seoul.

"Now the player and West Ham will take the case to the FIFA dispute resolution chamber.

"We're very confident, as is the player, that the situation will be resolved in favour of Tevez. He will then be free to achieve his, and our, wish to join United.

"It may take a short period but, based on what we've seen and the discussions we've had over the last few weeks, we're very confident this will be resolved and that Tevez will be a major part of Sir Alex's squad this season."

FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren stated: "At the moment we have not yet received any request so far on the matter."

The problems stem from Tevez's perceived ownership by South American group MSI. In order to bypass Premier League rules preventing third-party ownership he was effectively loaned to West Ham by group chief Kia Joorabchian towards the end of last season.

However now the Iranian businessman has laid claim to Tevez's signature again, leading to a legal wrangle as Ferguson seeks to add him to his ranks of playing staff.