TEVEZ 'WILL STAY AT UNITED'

Carlos Tevez's future is with Manchester United, the player's representative said today.

The 24-year-old striker is currently on a two-year loan deal with the Old Trafford club - and if no permanent contract is signed by January, Tevez would be free to talk to other clubs.

However, Kia Joorabchian today insisted the European champions are believed to be close to agreeing a deal for the former West Ham striker.

The Iranian businessman - whose MSI company have owned the player since last year - explained today: "We will help him accelerate the deal to make sure it goes through.

"Everyone's keen to make sure his future is dealt with in the correct way.

"Manchester United have been fantastic with Carlos - he's very lucky to have them and they are lucky too because he's been very good for them.

"It looks like it should happen - but we don't know the timing, whether it will be a month, two or six.

"But we'll make sure when the time is right everything is done smoothly."

United chief executive David Gill admitted earlier this week the club had spoken to Tevez and see him as part of their long-term plans, with the only issue being when the deal is signed.

And Joorabchian added on Sky Sports today: "He is very happy at United and that's the key. That's all he wants to concentrate on.

"He has been with us since the age of 19 and we will continue to play a big part in his career going forward.

"We want to make sure United get the best out of him. When he gets on the pitch he doesn't stop - that's why he is one of the best players in the world."

United did the Premier League and Champions League double last season - and the Argentinian wants a repeat this year - with the FA Cup to boot.

Joorabchian continued: "He wants to do the treble - that's his ambition at the moment.

"He had six months at West Ham struggling at the bottom but managed to help them survive - and in his first season at Manchester United he won the double.

"He's won 11 major titles and he's only 24 - but winning the Champions League meant the most to him - he's extremely proud to win that with Manchester United. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Joorabchian also moved to clarify Tevez's position on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tevez was quoted earlier in the week claiming his United team-mate should be allowed to join Real Madrid if he wishes.

However, Joorabchian explained: "Carlos isn't the type to talk about other players or their futures.

"He said that Cristiano has to make up his own mind and that it's up to him - obviously we want him to stay but if he wants to leave there's nothing we can do.

"That was what he said through his broken English - which is getting much better."