United are continuing to pursue the 30-million-pound-rated Argentina striker, despite plans by the forward and West Ham to launch a FIFA battle over his true ownership and registration.

The hearing at FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber could drag on beyond the end of the transfer window in August 31, but Ferguson insists that United are still confident of landing Tevez.

He said: "We are still confident about the Tevez situation and we are happy to wait until the clearance comes. If something doesn't happen and things don't go our way, then we will obviously have to reconsider our plans.

"But there is no fall back position at the present time and that's where we are at the moment."

Tevez's Argentina teammate Gabriel Heinze has been warned that he is expected back at Old Trafford for training next month, despite being strongly linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Anfeld club had a 6.8 million pound bid rejected by United last week, but Heinze is rumoured to be prepared to take legal action against United in order to seal the move.

However, United boss Ferguson claims that the player is being pushed towards a move by agent. Ferguson said: "Gabby is on holiday after playing in the Copa America. He needs his rest, but I expect back in training at Carrington in two weeks' time.

"There is no situation that I need to address with him. Both we and he knows that it his agent that is driving the mechanism for what is happening at the moment.

"We need to steer through the minefield because his people have been difficult people to deal with."