EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United have been approached with a sensational offer to buy Carlos Tevez back from their neighbours City.
Contact was made this week by a party closely connected with striker Tevez, who quit Old Trafford in May 2009, with a view to finding out whether United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would be interested in re-signing him.
What's it all about? Carlos Tevez (centre) during training this week
Ferguson was made aware of the approach, which was neither at City's behest nor with their knowledge, but sources close to Old Trafford indicate there is absolutely no chance of the player returning, even if City did decide to sell.
With Tevez ready to return to play against Everton in a game which could take City to the top of the table, the club show no signs of buckling under the pressure of the player's publicly-stated desire to leave. And they continue to point the finger of blame for the turmoil at the player's advisor Kia Joorabchian.
Victory over Everton on Monday would mean Mancini's men would be top on Christmas Day for the first time in 81 years.
Strained relationship: Roberto Mancini held talks with unsettled star Tevez
City announced last week that they had rejected a written transfer request and are adamant that the player will be staying until at least the end of the season.
The suitability of Tevez continuing as captain is under consideration by City manager Roberto Mancini, with defender Vincent Kompany poised to take over if he takes a hard line over the saga.
Suggestions that Tevez wants to return permanently to South America because he is homesick and missing his daughters Florencia and Katie - and that he has considered quitting the game - are viewed with suspicion by the City hierarchy two of whom he claims that his relationship with has broken down irretrievably, chief executive Garry Cook and administrator Brian Marwood.
It is, however, believed that Tevez, 26, has told those close to him that he plans to retire from the sport at the age of 30 anyway.
Amazing twist: Ferguson was made aware of Tevez approach
Given permission by the club last weekend to have a short overseas holiday, Tevez chose to go to Tenerife rather than Buenos Aires, where his daughters live.
And last week he was seen in the arms of his new girlfriend, the 18-year-old actress Brenda Asnicar, in London.
City contend that Tevez himself has no problems with the club or the people who run it and that the current situation is an extravagant attempt to improve his current contract which, according to informed sources, already stipulates that no other player can be paid more than he is.
It puts him alongside Yaya Toure on £200,000 a week, also meaning that, if he did leave, only a few clubs could afford to have him on their books.
A City insider said: 'Carlos has been back training with his usual enthusiasm. He will not only return to the side against Everton on Monday, but he is determined to play a part in the team's push for as high a Premier League finish as they can achieve.
'The club have demonstrated where they stand. Carlos is going nowhere. Now all we want is to concentrate on winning as many matches as we can between now and the end of the season.'
Just because it feels like last season, don't make it last season. That 'feeling' is called fear. Nothing you can do with it. Personally, I think the transfer windows open for a good while yet.
