West Ham have pulled off a major coup by signing Argentina World Cup stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
Striker Tevez, 22, and midfielder Mascherano, 22, join the Hammers from Brazilian side Corinthians on permanent deals for undisclosed fees.
The Upton park club have beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
But the Hammers are thought to have struck a deal with Media Sports Investments, who own the rights to the two players.
MSI were linked with a takeover of West Ham last season but eventually pulled out.
The club said: "West Ham United are delighted to announce the double signing of Argentinian World Cup stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Brazilian club Corinthians
"The pair have been signed for an undisclosed fee and put pen-to-paper on permanent contracts with the club this afternoon. All other aspects of the transfers will remain confidential and undisclosed.
"The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo."
Tevez has emerged as one the most highly rated young strikers in the world since signing for Corinthians from Boca Juniors for £9.5m in December 2004.
He has been strongly linked with Chelsea this summer, with a transfer fee of between £20m and £60m being reported.
In May, Kia Joorabchian, the president of London-based MSI, said: "Tevez will leave Corinthians if a team pays the contract's release clause, which is between £69m and £83m."
Both Tevez and Mascherano returned to Argentina's squad for Sunday's friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium after signings their deals. |
