Argentinian footballer Carlos Tevez poses for photographers at the City of Manchester stadium on July 14, 2009, after signing for Manchester City. Tevez denied on Tuesday that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to keep him at Old Trafford. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo]

Manchester City on Monday said they had signed Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, who left Manchester United at the end of the season, amid reports they also want Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.

Tevez, 25, has agreed terms with City and is set to sign a five-year deal, his new club said following weeks of rumors regarding his future.

No fee was mentioned but City were expected to have to shell out in the region of 25 million pounds (35 million euros) for the player they have coveted all summer.

"It is terrific news," said City manager Mark Hughes.

"Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward," Hughes told the club's official website.

"He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension."

Last week City said they were giving up on plans to sign Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o, but having secured Tevez's services they are now also hoping to net Togolese forward Adebayor, even though he signed a new Arsenal contract at the Emirates Stadium, media reports indicated late Tuesday.

City said in a statement on Tevez: "Personal terms with the 25-year-old have been concluded and the deal has been ratified by the Premier League and the Football Association."

City added that Tevez, who will wear the No 32 shirt next season, will have the mandatory medical check and then link up with the squad on their pre-season tour of South Africa.

Tevez spent two years with United, scoring 34 goals in 99 apearances after joining from West Ham, winning two English Premiership titles and the 2008 Champions League crown.

He started out with Boca Juniors before joining Brazilian side Corinthians in 2005.

Earlier Monday, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he realized weeks ago that Tevez would not stay at Old Trafford, despite his cult status with fans.

"I have expected Carlos Tevez would be going a long time back. I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter Milan and he never came back to me," Ferguson told reporters.