Star pair to sign for Hammers

[sportbilly]

West Ham United are set to pull off a major coup by the signing Argentine stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were all thought to be competing for the duo, along with some of the continents elite including Bayern Munich and Milan.

However, The Hammers have struck a deal with Media Sports Investments (MSI) - who own the rights to the Corinthians pair.

South American sources claim Portsmouth were also in line to broker a move, but it seems MSI have decided that a move to West Ham will best serve their prize assets.

The deal is believed to be initially for a season-long loan for the duo - but it could become permanent if all parties are happy, although it remains to be seen whether West Ham could afford them with both players carrying price tags of over £15 million.

The pair are both currently already in England ahead of this weekend's Brazil versus Argentina clash at Arsenal's brand new Emirates Stadium and this has aided the move.

A statement on Tevez's website states a move to Upton Park for himself and Mascherano has been sealed.

"Carlitos Tevez along with his former Corinthians team-mate, Javier Mascherano, has signed a contract to play with West Ham United of England," read the statement.

MSI - based in London - have also added to their stable by signing River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain - who is set to be taken to England next year.

As part of the deal MSI have bought half of the player and he will now stay with River until next summer before then being moved on, with South American sources insisting The Premiership will be his next stop.

"Having the chance to spend more time at River and then go to Europe is a nice," he said.

"I try not to think too much in my transfer. River has been the team that helped me be known in Europe so now I have to do things correctly in Argentina before I go to Europe."

[Toffee]

West Ham fans must be delighted in this scoop, its something that you associate with the big guns. Cant wait to see them play.

[valeite]

great to see a team outside of the big four sign two great stars,but a lot of the latin players sometimes have a problem adapting to the english game and quite often flop.

[Beefy]

The Hammers have sealed an exclusive deal with Corinthians to sign any player set to leave the club in the next three years following the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from the Brazilian outfit. (The People)

[Beefy]

A number of clubs - including Arsenal, Chelsea, Seville, Roma and Portsmouth - turned down the chance to take Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez as they were unwilling to agree to the terms of the deal.

Tevez and Mascherano must play in every game and can be sold at any point for a profit that will go to the company that owns the players - Media Sports Investment. (The Independent)