Tevez returns to City – but for how long?

Carlos Tevez returned to Eastlands on Monday for a Manchester City training session – but the Argentine’s future remains far from certain.

City had earlier set their captain a deadline of Monday to report for training after he took a prolonged rest having represented Argentina at this year’s Copa America.

In Tevez’s absence City were defeated 3-2 by bitter rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, despite leading 2-0 at half-time.

It is as yet unclear whether the 27-year-old will be able or required to feature as his side kick off their Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Swansea next weekend.

Tevez has repeatedly stated his desire to move away from Manchester in order to be closer to his family in Argentina, but a proposed move to Corinthians fell through last month as a result of the Brazilian giants being unable to match City’s valuation of the player.

Inter are now believed to be the leading contenders for the striker’s signature, although they are yet to make a formal bid and it is believed any offer could only be financed by the potential sale of midfielder Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United.