Corinthians offer Tevez lifeline

Tevez, dropped for his country's Copa America clash with Costa Rica on Monday night, declared earlier this month that he wished to leave City for the sake of his family.

With none of Europe's leading clubs apparently interested in spending the £50million City suggested was the fee they would expect for their captain, it was starting to look like Tevez might spend next season at the Etihad Stadium after all. However, now has come news of Corinthians' interest.

Tevez used to play for the Brazilian outfit before heading to West Ham five years ago - the start of a turbulent spell in England that has also involved two seasons at both Manchester clubs.

It is thought the massive transfer fee, almost treble the club record £13.7million that got him to the club in 2005, would be funded through sponsorship and money from TV rights.

If the full transfer fee materialises, it would surely prove attractive to City owner Sheikh Mansour.

Having ended a 35-year trophy drought last term by winning the FA Cup, City are moving forward quickly and are currently in the United States for a three-match tour that forms part of their build-up to a new season that includes Champions League combat for the first time.

Some senior players have already expressed their dissatisfaction with Tevez's status as captain, requesting Vincent Kompany is handed the job instead.

Yet Tevez remains a key figure in the City line-up. His 20 Barclays Premier League goals last term secured him a share of the Golden Boot prize and, without the combustible South American, manager Roberto Mancini would have to act fast to bring in reinforcements.

Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero has been mentioned as one such alternative, although he would probably cost just as much as City would receive for Tevez.

Source: PA

Source: PA