FOOTBALL SPY EXCLUSIVE Mirror Sport No.1 FOR THE BIG STORIES
By Martin Lipton, Chief Football Writer
MANCHESTER UNITED were placed on red alert last night after long-term transfer target Carlos Tevez announced he planned to quit Brazil for a move to Europe.
Argentine World Cup hitman Tevez is demanding a move after falling out with new Corinthians coach and former Brazil goalkeeper Emerson Leao.
The South American striker, 22, has made it clear he wants to come to Europe, with United and Bayern Munich favourites to sign the forward as Chelsea are not interested in a bidding war for the £25millionrated front-man.
Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson still seeks a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy after Inter Milan's U-turn over allowing Brazilian ace Adriano to leave.
And United fan Tevez, dubbed "The Apache" and "The Bull" due to his aggressive playing style, would fit the bill.
Tevez, stripped of the Corinthians captaincy by Leao as he does not speak Portuguese, demanded a transfer after the weekend win over Botafogo.
The 22-year-old striker announced: "This may have been my last game in the Corinthians shirt.
"I would like to stay but I have to think about what is better for me and my family."
His agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed: "Carlos wants to go to Europe."
When Corinthians signed Tevez in 2004, he attended a press conference wearing a United shirt and has never hidden interest in playing for the Red Devils.
Alan Smith gave United an additional boost last night when he played 66 minutes for the reserves in a first outing since breaking a leg.