Man City have rejected a written transfer request from Carlos Tevez and have expressed disappointment at their captain's agent.
Club will not renegotiate contracts in middle of the season
Manchester City have rejected a written transfer request from Carlos Tevez and have expressed disappointment with their captain's representative.
Tevez has established himself as a fans' favourite at City since joining from arch-rivals United 18 months ago, but is now keen to quit the club.
Reports have claimed that the Argentine striker is disillusioned with life at City under Roberto Mancini and he has often spoken of his desire to return to his homeland.
He was involved in a bust-up with manager Mancini after being substituted during last weekend's 1-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old missed his side's 3-1 victory at former club West Ham on Saturday through suspension and had been given permission to go back to Argentina.
Tevez has now told the club of his desire to leave, but City are standing firm and have knocked back their skipper's request.
City say the player's agent recently asked to discuss a new contract for the influential forward, but the club will not open talks midway through the season.
Unwelcome distraction
"It is with disappointment that we confirm to our supporters that Carlos Tevez has submitted a written transfer request," read a club statement. "The club can also confirm that the request has been rejected.
"The club remains disappointed by this situation and particularly with the actions of Carlos' representative.
"Roberto Mancini and all at the club have shown, and will continue to show, sensitivity to Carlos' personal circumstances including the issue of his family being based overseas.
"Indeed following his suspension as a result of the game against Bolton, Carlos requested, and was given, special dispensation by the manager to take leave overseas.
"The written transfer request is in stark contrast to Carlos' stated position in both public and club contexts. Significantly, over recent months, the club has also received numerous requests from Carlos' representative to renegotiate and improve his playing contract as well as more recently a request to extend that contract by another year.
"However, in line with the club's policy of not negotiating playing contracts mid-season this has not been granted. Carlos' current five-year contract has three-and-a-half years to run and he is the highest paid player at the Manchester City Football Club.
"This is both an unfortunate and unwelcome distraction and the club will remain focused on the games ahead in what is turning out to be a very promising season. The door remains open for Carlos to be selected to play."
Tevez has scored 39 goals in 60 appearances for City and the team went level with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with victory at West Ham.
