Man Utd have played down reports suggesting Carlos Tevez could leave Old Trafford because he has not signed a permanent deal.The Argentina international and his representatives were told by United in July that moves to turn his two-year loan arrangement into a permanent £32million transfer were imminent. They were subsequently encouraged when chief executive David Gill went public on the club's intentions.
At that stage, Tevez was reported to be relaxed about his situation but the £31m arrival of striker Dimitar Berbatov and the fact the Bulgarian was handed the No 9 shirt has apparently caused Tevez to question his place in the pecking order.
But, in a statement on their website on Tuesday, United stated there were no worries that a deal will be completed later this season.
It said: "(Chief executive) David Gill told the papers in South Africa in July that we would hope to conclude a deal with Carlos before the New Year," a United spokesman told the club's official website.
"That is still our aim. The clocks haven't even gone back yet, so to talk of delays is nonsense. Both the club and Carlos are relaxed about the situation."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said recently: "As I understand it, a permanent deal will happen at the end of the season. There is no doubt in my mind Carlos Tevez will be here next season and signing the contract."
Tevez said: "Ever since I came here I have wanted to sign a permanent contract. I had a very happy first season and I would be very happy if the chairman would put a permanent contract in front of me. I would sign it without a doubt."
