Brazilian judge latest player in Tevez affair

LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) Manchester United's bid to sign Carlos Tevez has taken another twist after a Brazilian judge issued an arrest warrant for the Argentine forward's agent on alleged money-laundering charges.

Judge Fausto Martin de Sanctis yesterday ordered the overseas arrest of agent Kia Joorabchian, Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky and Nojan Bedroud in a case involving sports management group MSI and Brazilian club Corinthians.

Four Brazilian directors of the club, in which MSI bought a majority stake in 2004, were also told to testify next month about the alleged money-laundering and international player transfers.

Corinthians and MSI denied the charges and said they obeyed all laws.

The development came as Joorabchian was talking to British media in London about his hopes of securing a transfer for Tevez to Old Trafford from West Ham United, who he joined last year with Javier Mascherano in a highly-publicised move from Corinthians.

Joorabchian told Sky Sports News that Tevez, currently on international duty at the Copa America, would be in Britain next week and would have a medical at United on Wednesday.

However, West Ham have made it clear that Tevez is under contract to them until 2010, that they expect him back for pre-season training and that any decisions over the striker's future could only be made with their agreement.

The question of who holds the initiative in Tevez's affairs is a key one as it has a bearing on a separate controversy in English soccer, involving the relegation of Sheffield United.

Tevez's initial contract with West Ham breached Premier League rules on ownership as it contained references to third parties, including MSI. The club were later heavily fined for the infringement, only for Sheffield United to press their case that the Hammers should have been docked points.

A points deduction would have meant West Ham being relegated -- a fate they survived thanks to Tevez's goals but which befell United on the final day of the season.

The Blades took an appeal against the fine to arbitration on July 3 -- and lost. However, the club were at the High Court in London on Friday hoping to get a hearing for a final appeal.

REUTERS SAM BD1731