• Premier League

Inter go cold on Tevez swoop

ESPN staff
July 28, 2011
Carlos Tevez's claim to a starting place at Manchester City is threatened by the signing of Sergio Aguero © Getty Images
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Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca has distanced the Italian giants from a bid for wantaway Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Branca was pictured shaking hands with Tevez on a beach in Sardinia earlier this month, prompting speculation the Argentina international could be set for a move to Italy.

But Branca has poured cold water on these suggestions by claiming that the meeting came about entirely by chance.

"There was only one meeting, and it was entirely fortuitous and enjoyable," he said. "But it happened on the beach and was not followed up."

Tevez has seen a £40 million move to Corinthians collapse this summer and, with most clubs balking at City's asking price, could end up staying in Manchester next season - despite his desire to be closer to his family.

Whether he would be able to command a starting place at City next season is up for debate after the club signed his international team-mate Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of £38m. A two-pronged strikeforce would require boss Roberto Mancini to abandon his preferred five-man midfield, a move that seems unlikely given the Italian's naturally cautious approach.

Tevez also faces the prospect of being stripped of the captaincy by Mancini if he does remain at Etihad Stadium, with defender Vincent Kompany likely to lead the side next season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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