EXCLUSIVE: Carlos Tevez Wanted Chelsea, But Will Join Manchester City By Monday

Carlos Tevez will complete his move from Manchester United to Manchester City by Monday, July 6 - the same day Cristiano Ronaldo will be presented as Real Madrid's and the world's most expensive ever signing.

The Tevez transfer, thought to be in the region of £30 million, has been on the cards ever since the season began drawing to a close and, in light of United's failure to successfully negotiate a deal with Tevez's owners at MSI (Media Sports Investment), the forward made clear to the press the insecurity surrounding his future at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid, Inter, Chelsea and Liverpool were all at times on the trail of the Argentina international, but he was eager to stay in England, where he enjoys the football and his family are settled. Liverpool were financially unable to keep pace with Chelsea and City.

City have long thought to have had the edge in negotiations and an unnamed source working closely in several of City's transfers told Goal.com that though Tevez was tempted by Chelsea and perhaps even preferred Stamford Bridge, is now nevertheless excited to complete a move to across Manchester to City.

"Carlos Tevez was keen on the Chelsea deal, as he wanted to be a regular in the Champions League and be immediately challenging for the title," he said.

"However, the City offer was hard to refuse and it's an exciting project.

"Besides, his family are settled and happy in Manchester, he has a great group of friends and, despite the rivalry between City and Manchester United, he believes his hand was forced.

"All being well, the deal should be concluded by Monday evening, or even earlier if the paperwork is sorted."

Due to his unique third party ownership, Tevez has a controversial transfer history, most infamous for West Ham United's illegal purchase of the player in 2006, when his goals helped keep them in the Premier League.

Sulmaan Ahmad & Will Wood, Goal.com