Tevez has been confirmed as a witness in the dispute, which was fast-tracked for an early hearing after the Argentine's representatives, Media Sports Investments (MSI) and Just Sports Inc, applied for an interim injunction.

The injunction would mean Tevez could join Manchester United from West Ham immediately, while the financial elements of the row would then be resolved at a later trial.

Kia Joorabchian, who owns MSI and Just Sports Inc, is suing West Ham for a breach of contract after the club terminated an agreement that the Iranian businessman was due a fee for Tevez if the Hammers sold him.

West Ham claim the agreement was legally invalid and unenforceable and were happy for the matter to be settled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But Joorabchian is determined to win the battle and Tevez could now play a key role on the witness stand.