Super-sub Carlos Tevez wants to stay, insists Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United will today step up their efforts to persuade striker Carlos Tevez to sign a permanent deal after revealing they have finally made him a formal offer.

Tevez, linked with a move to Liverpool or Manchester City after complaining United were dragging their heels over a new deal, was the hero at Wigan last night as he came off the bench to inspire them to a 2-1 win.

United's travelling contingent sang the now familiar Fergie, sign him up' as they celebrated victory and after the game Sir Alex Ferguson claimed a fresh deal had been offered to the player.

"We have progressed and chief executive David Gill has had a good meeting," he said. "I have spoken to him. We have given Carlos an offer we hope he accepts. That is where we are.

"He has a hunger to fight all the time. It is a wonderful thing to see."

He added: "We're not negotiating with a football club and that's the problem. I think Carlos himself is OK and the terms he has been offered are good."

But a spokesman for Tevez's adviser, Kia Joorabchian, whose Media Sports Investment company effectively owns Tevez, denied anything had changed, saying: "It is true that David Gill came to see Mr Joorabchian and they had a cordial meeting.

"It is categorically untrue that Manchester United made an offer to try to persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club.

"In 2007 they agreed a two-year loan for Carlos and at the same time agreed the terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken up that option."

United have already paid £10million to take the Argentine on loan and reports suggest they were always willing to pay the £22m required to complete the transfer but baulked at a request to add further agent's fees to the total deal.

However, last night's strike and an excellent effort in Sunday's 2-0 win over Manchester City appears to have improved his chances of staying at Old Trafford.

United were 1-0 down to a goal from Colombian Hugo Rodallega when Tevez scored with a clever back-heel three minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Michael Carrick then struck an 86th-minute winner that leaves Ferguson's men just one point away from reclaiming the title.

The champions face a much-maligned Arsenal side at home on Saturday before a final-day trip to Hull and Ferguson added: "I don't listen to the criticism of Arsenal.

"We know how good they are and we need to perform on Saturday and hopefully will do."

Elsewhere, United's Champions League Final opponents Barcelona won the Copa del Rey last night by coming from a goal down to beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1.