Manchester City are attempting to wreck Manchester United's deal for Carlos Tevez.

The News of the World says City believe they can smash the relationship between Tevez and Sir Alex Ferguson - and capitalise on their neighbours' failure to offer the Argentine striker a permanent contract before the end of the season.

As well as having the financial backing of their new owners the Abu Dhabi United Group, City can now call upon the services of Tevez's agent, Kia Joorabchian.

Uncertainty over Tevez's future at Old Trafford has resurfaced since Ferguson's statement last week that they will not be offering him a permanent deal until next summer.