Not going to Corinthians

By Chris,
February 20 2009

Brazilian club Corinthians have ruled out a bid for Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez, amid growing speculation in South America. The Argentinean, who's playing rights are bizarrely owned by Media Sports Investment (M.S.I), is coming towards the end of a two-year loan spell at Old Trafford with his future very much in the balance.

M.S.I is an international fund of investors who run Brazilian outfit Corinthians Paulista.

United are thought to be lukewarm on the idea of paying the company £30million to sign Tevez permanently - meaning a host of other clubs, including Inter Milan, have been linked with the diminutive striker's services.

MSI's investment helped Corinthians sign Tevez for £13.7million in December 2004. It was the biggest transfer in the history of South American football and the forward proved a sensation netting a whopping 31 league goals from 53 outings.

Reports in South America claim that the player could make a sensational return to his home continent - supposedly helped by MSI's heavy involvement with the Sao Paulo club.

However, Corinthians boss Mario Gobbi has been quick to distance himself from the speculation: "We were surprised with the reports. Of course we would love to have him, but there is nothing in it at all."