Corinthians rule out Tevez return

Corinthians have dismissed speculation linking Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez with a return to the Brazilian club.

The Sao Paulo-based outfit said they could not afford the Argentina international despite the lucrative recent sales of several players to Chinese Super League clubs. "He is not coming. There is nothing in it. Nobody has spoken with him," Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade told reporters on Friday.

"We know that he isn't cheap. Given that he is expensive, the difficulties increase. It is the same response that I would give if you asked me about (Lionel) Messi."

Tevez is said to receive about 175,000 US dollars a month at Boca, less than what Corinthians paid Alexandre Pato, who last month joined Chelsea on a six-month loan deal.

The 32-year-old former Manchester United and Manchester City player remains a fan favorite at Corinthians, where he scored 46 goals from 77 matches in 2005 and 2006. Endit