Argentina aces 'to join Hammers'

Argentina World Cup forward Carlos Tevez claims he is about to join West Ham along with national team colleague Javier Mascherano.

The double signing would represent a massive - and expensive - coup for the Hammers if it was to come off as both players were among Argentina's most impressive performers in Germany.

A statement on Tevez's personal website: "Carlitos Tevez, along with his team-mate Javier Mascherano, signs a contract to play for West Ham United of England."

Both have been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea over the summer with Arsenal also apparently in the running to bring Tevez from Brazil.

The pair's rights are owned by Media Sports Investment, a British-based company with financial involvement in Corinthians. MSI were linked with a takeover of the Hammers last season.

Tevez and Mascherano are expected to join the east London club on a season-long loan and a permanent deal next summer is possible, either at Upton Park or elsewhere.

The Corinthians pair are in Argentina's squad for Sunday's friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

Tevez has endured a tempestuous 18 months at Corinthians, falling out with fans and officials and claiming his life was unbearable as an Argentinian plying his trade in Brazil. After returning from the World Cup Tevez claimed he would not play for Corinthians again.