Corinthians eye £16m cut-price Carlos Tevez deal

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Corinthians president Andres Sanchez has been quoted in the Brazilian media claiming his club's bid to sign Carlos Tevez is back on at a reduced rate of around £16m.

Manchester City, however, indicated last night they intend to take a firm stance on the matter and will not be selling Tevez for less than they believe his true value to be. This position has not changed in light of Sanchez's remarks.

Sanchez told reporters: "Although many people do not believe it, Tevez is much closer to the Corinthians than you can imagine.

"The initial offer was 40m euros and that is now 18m euros because of all the problems he has faced back in England."

Yet Tevez has the best part of three years on his contract and City are prepared to take a hard line with him after he was yesterday found guilty of five breaches of contract, concluding he had effectively refused to play during last month's Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

It is understood Mancini will be allowed to decide what happens to the player over the remainder of his deal and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak will give the Italian his full backing.

A City spokesman said: "I can confirm that following a call between Roberto and the chairman, the club's formal position is that no offer for Carlos Tevez will be considered unless it reflects true market value."

PA