Hammers stay could tempt Tevez

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez insists there is still a chance he could be a West Ham player next season.

Tevez is at the centre of an eligibility storm which has seen West Ham fined a record £5.5million and their relegation rivals threatening legal action. But, as the Hammers attempt to thrash out a new contractual arrangement for the player, Tevez revealed his future could still be at Upton Park.

"There is a possibility I could stay. It is a case of sitting down with the directors of West Ham to sort out a few things but certainly there is a chance I could stay with the club," he said.

The decision, though, will not rest with the player but his part-owner Kia Joorabchian, with whom West Ham are currently in talks.

West Ham had to terminate elements of their original four-year contract with Tevez after being found guilty of agreeing to clauses which allowed a third party - Joorabchian - direct influence over the club.

By satisfying the Premier League those clauses are no longer in place, Tevez was free to play in last weekend's vital 3-0 win over relegation rivals Wigan and for the remainder of the season.

But for Tevez to stay at Upton Park next year the Hammers would either have to buy him outright from Joorabchian for around £20million or agree a loan deal similar to that which Liverpool have for Javier Mascherano.