The league accepted in April that West Ham had terminated all agreements with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian - and will keep a watchful eye on any transfer to ensure that the club keep their promise.

A Premier League spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned any deal to take Carlos Tevez away from West Ham has to be done directly with the club."

The league's stance means that the Argentina striker's proposed move to Manchester United is far from sealed even if they have agreed a deal in principle with the player's representatives.

One possible avenue would be for West Ham to be paid a transfer fee and then agree a compensation figure with Joorabchian for breaching contracts with his company Media Sports Investments (MSI) when they terminated those agreements following their £5.5million fine in April for breaching Premier League rules.

It is understood, though, that the league would want a substantial chunk of the transfer fee to remain at West Ham rather than it all be handed over to MSI in compensation, otherwise they could be accused of merely covering up the third-party agreements that has caused so much controversy.

The details of a deal for the 23-year-old are still unclear because any attempt to sign him on some kind of loan arrangement would be fraught with problems.

Tevez is still under contract for three more years with West Ham.

Given the history surrounding the player, United are certain to go through all the paperwork in minute detail to ensure everything meets Premier League rules.

Tevez, who is currently in Venezuela with Argentina for the Copa America campaign, has been linked to several clubs in England.

He told Argentina newspaper Clarin: "As far as I am aware, I have not received any official offers.

"Once an offer arrives then we will see. But the fact that Real Madrid, Internazionale and Manchester United are interested in me makes me proud."

United and Joorabchian are expected to agree a complex deal, which could end up being worth in excess of £30million, over the next 36 hours.

The final terms of the arrangement are still being discussed but it is understood Manchester United will not initially be buying Tevez outright.

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson gave his permission for Joorabchian to enter negotiations with other clubs three weeks ago.

Magnusson himself spoke with Manchester United on Thursday as the deal moved closer to fruition.

But West Ham are not expected to receive any of the proposed transfer fee, which could see the Premier League step in.