HAMMERS ANNOUNCE STUNNING DOUBLE SWOOP
West Ham United have completed the sensational double signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians on permanent contracts.
The Argentinian duo, who both starred for their country at the World Cup this summer, move to Upton Park for undisclosed fees.
BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP TRANSFERS
A statement on West Ham's official website,
www.whufc.co.uk, read: “The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo.
“The pair have been signed for an undisclosed fee and put pen to paper on permanent contracts with the club this afternoon.
“All other aspects of the transfers will remain confidential and undisclosed.”
Tevez, who has 25 caps and four goals for Argentina, issued a statement on his personal website earlier today saying that a move to West Ham for himself and his team-mate Mascherano had been sealed.
Corinthians sent a delegation of officials to London on Tuesday to meet with investment group Media Sports Investment, who own the players’ rights, in a bid to negotiate the exit of Tevez, 22, after he signalled his desire to leave the Sao Paulo club following a falling-out with home fans.
London-based MSI appear to have decided that Upton Park is the best possible destination for both Tevez and Mascherano - despite the interest of a string of rivals in the Barclays Premiership and Europe.
The ambitious Hammers have lost £7.5million striker Dean Ashton for much of the season with a broken ankle sustained while training with the England squad earlier this month and are also missing winger Matthew Etherington and new Ghanaian signing John Pantsil with knee injuries.
Mascherano’s future with Corinthians had been in doubt after he missed training on Tuesday following his sending-off in a match at the weekend.
Former Boca Juniors marksman Tevez had been linked with a number of clubs across the continent ever since it became clear he was desperate to leave Brazil, with Roma, Manchester United, Chelsea, Milan, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid all believed to hold an interest.
Aston Villa were also linked with him following the arrival of new American owner Randy Lerner’s millions. And yesterday reports in Argentina suggested Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was leading the chase for the powerful forward.
