The agent of Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has confirmed he dined with Real Madrid sports director Pedja Mijatovic this week.

United retain an option to sign Tevez - who seems certain to start in Sunday's Carling Cup Final - on a permanent basis as part of their two-year loan agreement which runs out at the end of June.

But their failure to give a clear signal whether they want to keep him at Old Trafford into next season has given Madrid encouragement to make initial soundings.

Joorabchian told the Daily Star: "I was in Madrid watching Javier Mascherano playing for Liverpool, as I watch many matches involving players I know.

"Predrag Mijatovic is a friend of mine and we enjoyed a dinner, along with other friends, after the game. It was nothing more than a dinner with a friend."