Carlos Tevez's transfer to Manchester United could be scuppered by continuing complications over who owns the Argentinian international. It is believed the investment company MSI, fronted by businessman Kia Joorabchian, still own the player's economic rights.

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However, the Premier League insist that any fee for Tevez's transfer goes directly to West Ham.

United are thought to have agreed a two-year loan deal with an option to sign Tevez at the end. However, English football's authorities may baulk at a reported £3 million payable to MSI each year of the loan.

A Premier League spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned any deal to take Carlos Tevez away from West Ham has to be done directly with the club."

Liverpool struck a similar deal to take Javier Mascherano to Anfield in January, paying £1.5m for an initial 18-month loan from the Hammers, with an option to buy him later.