"There have been contacts," AS reported in revealing it had information Real sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic had had talks in Israel on Tuesday with the agent of Tevez Kia Joorabchian, head of Media Sport Investments (MSI).

The 23-year-old Tevez was instrumental in keeping the Hammers in the English Premiership last season with his goals in the final third of the campaign after the Londoners had appeared doomed.

Tevez's signing, along with that of compatriot Javier Mascherano -- who later joined Liverpool -- was controversial and earned West Ham a 5.5 million pounds (10.9 million dollars) fine for infringing ownership rules, although relegation rivals believed the club should have been docked points.

Tevez came to Upton Park after impressing during the World Cup and two seasons with Brazilian outfit Corinthians, having begun his career with Boca Juniors.