The move back to South America appeared to be the best solution for all involved as the Argentina international is desperate to be nearer his family.

City wanted to tie things up quickly to ensure the situation did not drag on into August and the prospect of selling the 27-year-old to a club so far removed from being a rival was an added bonus.

However, finalising a deal with Corinthians proved problematic with City left frustrated that the Brazilians did not conclude a deal they thought had been agreed.

While Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has played down speculation Corinthians' inability to provide a bank guarantee for the vast sum of money had been at the centre of problems, Press Association Sport understands City have proof of four such requests.

The Eastlands club is also understood to have proof of an agreement as the Brazilian side had wanted it, although that seems to be of little value now that City have been left to deal with a saga that is set to run at least through to next month.

That may also impact on Mancini's plans to bring in Tevez's replacement, compatriot Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid.

Corinthians have suggested they will return in January but that may be too long a period for both player and club.

"We are aware of the dream our fans had of having this player at Corinthians again and we look forward to him being with us in the near future," said the Brazilian club in a statement.

For his part, Tevez's advisor Kia Joorabchian last night insisted the player would "respect" Manchester City for as long as he remained their player.

"There was a concrete offer on the table, and it was very close to being negotiated and agreed, but unfortunately it didn't go through," Joorabchian said. "There's not really any speculation from our standpoint (on what happens next).

"He's still a City player and he will respect that. We will keep it like that until there's something else concrete on the table."

However, the situation remains a distraction City could do without.

While Tevez's preference has been for a move back to South America there has been a lingering suspicion he could yet move to one of Europe's top clubs, with Spain being an obvious destination as it would be slightly easier for the striker's wife Vanesa and their two children to adapt to a country in which they speak the language.

Yet there are only Barcelona and Real Madrid in that country who could afford the former West Ham man, with reports suggesting the fee is £50million for a European side.

The Catalans are planning to spend their money elsewhere, on Chile'sAlexis Sanchez and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas while Real appear to be keen on Santos' 19-year-old Brazil striker Neymar.

There are few other clubs, such as Inter Milan or Juventus, who could possibly afford Tevez but none has shown any great desire to snap up the joint Golden Boot winner, whose impressive industry is matched only by his ability to court controversy.

If no approaches are forthcoming, and at a potential £50million is seems unlikely any club would consider bidding until much closer to the deadline in the hope of forcing a better deal, it leaves Mancini with issues to resolve with the new season just over three weeks away.

The prospect of having an unhappy Tevez returning to the club (he is currently enjoying a break in his homeland after playing in the Copa America) is not an appealing one for the City boss.

Back in February last year the player went AWOL after returning home following the premature birth of his second daughter and a similar scenario could well occur again.

How he would be received back in Manchester is another question, especially as many of his team-mates believed he had already played his last game for the club.

One player who did complete a move from City to Brazil yesterday was striker Jo, who moved to Porto Alegre club Internacional.