With less than three weeks until the January transfer window, City said Sunday that Tevez had submitted a written request to leave.

British newspapers reported that Tevez had clashed with City manager Roberto Mancini and misses his young family in Argentina, but City said the player's agent had made repeated petitions for a new contract.

City said Tevez is already the highest paid player at the club, contradicting widespread media reports that his teammate Yaya Toure had attained that status when he signed from Barcelona in July.

«The club remains disappointed by this situation and particularly with the actions of Carlos' representative,» City said in a statement. «The written transfer request is in stark contrast to Carlos' stated position in both public and club contexts.

«Significantly, over recent months, the club has also received numerous requests from Carlos' representative to renegotiate and improve his playing contract as well as more recently a request to extend that contract by another year.» Tevez has 3½ years remaining on the 5-year contract he signed after leaving Manchester United last year.

City, which beat West Ham 3-1 on Saturday to maintain its challenge for the Premier League title, said it will not renegotiate contracts in midseason.

«Roberto Mancini and all at the club have shown, and will continue to show, sensitivity to Carlos' personal circumstances _ including the issue of his family being based overseas.

«Indeed, following his suspension as a result of the game against Bolton, Carlos requested _ and was given _ special dispensation by the manager to take leave overseas.» City said Tevez would remain available for selection.