Man Utd v Celtic: Top clubs chase Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Manchester United will collapse unless the Argentine's owners reduce their £34million asking price.

United, who paid Media Sports Investments an initial £6m to take Tevez on a two-year loan deal, are unwilling to spend the £28m it will cost to secure the 24-year-old on a permanent basis.

But Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that United's brinksmanship is unlikely to pay off. Tevez's agent, Kia Joorabchian, has already been alerted to widespread interest in the striker both at home and abroad.

A source close to Joorabchian said: "Kia is very relaxed about the whole Tevez situation because he knows if United don't want to do a deal, some of the world's biggest clubs will want to do business.

"But the situation is that Carlos is very happy at United and that is the club he wants to play for."

However, much will depend on how many games Tevez plays this season.

Real Madrid have emerged as the biggest challengers for his signature. But Inter Milan and Manchester City would also make a move.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson continues to insist that Tevez will stay. He said: "Negotiations have been going on for quite a few weeks so hopefully it will be completed. I don't have any message for Carlos. He knows how well we've treated him."

Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will be named both European and World footballer of the year in December.

"I think Cristiano is the outstanding candidate for both awards," he said. "I just don't see anyone challenging him.

United face Celtic at Old Trafford on Tuesday night - two seasons after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Parkhead.

United dominated that tie but were condemned to defeat by a brilliant free-kick by Shunsuke Nakamura.

Ferguson said: "Our tactics were absolutely right the last time we played Celtic and we dominated the game yet lost.

"We had a lot of possession, but I think my players enjoyed themselves too much on the night and forgot the essential ingredient - scoring a goal."