West Ham Finally Agree to Release Tevez

One of this summer's most arduous transfer sagas appears to have come to a close after West Ham confirmed that they have agreed a settlement with Media Sports Investments, the representatives of Carlos Tevez, which will allow the striker to leave the club.

Tevez, who passed a medical at Old Trafford this morning with a view to a two-year loan deal, is expected to be confirmed as a Manchester United player early next week, when the move's official paperwork goes through.

The agreement confirms that West Ham have a valid player's contract with Tevez and that they hold his playing registration. United, meanwhile, have the option of making the deal permanent for a further £20m. Tevez will earn around £3.5m a season and could make his debut against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday week.

"I am obviously pleased that we have finally reached the end of this saga through agreement and common sense. All parties involved can now move on and truly focus on the new season," said the West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson. "I wish Carlos Tevez well for the next stage of his playing career. He is a fine player and I am sure he will be successful wherever he plays football. Personally, I am looking forward to the next stage of our development as a club and for what I hope will be a very exciting new season in the Premier League."