Alex Ferguson has reassured Carlos Tevez Manchester United are prepared to wait beyond the August 31st transfer deadline in order to take him to Old Trafford.

With just five weeks to go before the transfer window closes, the signing of Tevez is likely to be delayed by the decision of Kia Joorabchian, the Argentinian forward's representative, to launch legal proceedings against West Ham United in an effort to resolve the dispute surrounding the player's ownership and right to seek a move from Upton Park.

While Joorabchian's decision to bypass the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of a legal action is one that is expected to take longer to complete, it is the route most likely to bring about a resolution, with United welcoming the opportunity to clear up the issue of the player's contract situation.

"I feel more confident now because the agent is confident enough to take it to the High Court," said Ferguson. "You can be embarrassed there if it's not right and you can lose everything, so he must be very confident regarding the situation with West Ham."

While Ferguson remains bullish about his chances of signing Tevez, he has again ruled out Liverpool's hopes of prising another Argentinian international, Gabriel Heinze, from Old Trafford. Heinze is keen to complete a €10.17 million move to Anfield and legal proceedings to force the move are being investigated by Liverpool and Heinze, who both believe United cannot block the transfer, having given written permission for the player to find a new club.

Ferguson said: "I've not spoken to Gaby, but he's our player . . . He has two years left on his contract, but if he completes his contract and then leaves at the end of it, that's fine by us."