Tevez confident of permanent move to United

Carlos Tevez is confident of joining Manchester United on a permanent basis amid a flurry speculation surrounding his future at the club. The Argentinean's two-year loan deal expires at the end of the season, and there is an element of doubt over whether Sir Alex Ferguson will splash out to buy the player.

Tevez admits that other clubs have made enquiries about his availability - but the player insists he is likely to stay at Old Trafford in the long-term.

Real Madrid, Spurs and Manchester City have all been linked with the player's services - but Tevez is confident a deal to stay with United will be sorted in January.

"I am not preoccupied about my future," said the forward, speaking to the Daily Mail.

"My instincts are to stay with the club and in the next week or so I think there will be more contact with regards to sorting out my contract. That is what we've been told.

"My agent is in touch with United all the time and he tells me that everything is very positive now. So it is up to the club. Other clubs have asked about me but I see my future at United."

The 24-year-old has found a regular first-team spot difficult to come-by this season due to the immense competition for first-team places. He admits that it has proved frustrating, but is happy to stay and fight for first-team football.

"It has been a complicated season for me, there is no point denying that. I have not been able to get as many minutes on the field as I would like because the quality of the forwards at the club is incredible.

"It is not easy for forwards to get into this team and I have suffered. But that does not make me want to leave. I have no urge to run away."