TWO-FACED

CARLOS TEVEZ has pleaded with FIFA to let him quit West Ham in a £30million dream move to Manchester United as his representative Kia Joorabchian launched a stinging attack on the Hammers.

Accusing the Upton Park outfit of being two-faced, the Iranian-born businessman said: "West Ham have consistently provided private assurances while at the same time making contrary statements to the public at large."

Things came to a head yesterday after talks between United, West Ham, Joorabchian and the Premier League failed to settle the issue.

Now FIFA will have the final say on one of the most controversial transfers in recent history. But Joorabchian turned the screw on the underpressure Hammers, adding: "We see no alternative but to bring the true circumstances to the attention of a higher authority.

"Over the last six months West Ham have made repeated promises and assurances which they have not acted upon or performed. It is now time for these inconsistencies to be brought to an end.

"We can no longer allow these inconsistencies to continue unaddressed."

Tevez is desperate to join United and he and Joorabchian are contesting West Ham's claim that they have the striker tied to a four-year deal.

The Argentina star insists he only joined them on a one-year contract, with an option to extend, which he claims was never taken up.Positive Tevez said: "I want a positive solution to allow me to move to Manchester United in the same way Javier Mascherano joined Liverpool in January.

"I am very grateful to West Ham. The club and the fans are sensational but when it comes to football, I believe a good transfer will be good for them.

"I would like the deal completed so I can go on holiday full of peace and calm.

But I am convinced I will play for Manchester United next season."

If FIFA decide in Tevez's favour, United will be free to negotiate a deal with Joorabchian to sign the 23-year-old. Any transfer would be scrutinised by the Premier League.

But if FIFA find in favour of West Ham and decide that Tevez is under contract, United would then have to begin the process of negotiating a transfer free with the Hammers in order to sign him. United chief executive David Gill, speaking on the club's pre-season tour of the Far East, said he remained confident FIFA will find in Tevez's favour and that the player will be theirs before the transfer deadline on August 31.

Gill said: "We're very confident that the issue will be resolved in favour of the player and for him to achieve his and our wish to join Manchester United."

A West Ham spokesman said: "It now makes sense for this to be dealt with by FIFA. All parties agree this is the best way forward."