West Ham delight at double coup

West Ham United FC have completed the biggest and most audacious transfer coup in their history by signing Argentinian internationals Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano from Brazilian club SC Corinthians.

'Confidential'
A statement on the London club's website said: "The pair have been signed for an undisclosed fee and put pen to paper on permanent contracts this afternoon. All other aspects of the transfers will remain confidential and undisclosed." Both players are in the English capital with their national squad for Sunday's friendly against Brazil at Arsenal FC, a match that will now provoke huge interest among West Ham supporters.

Tevez awards
A squat, powerful forward with great skill on the turn and pace, the 22-year-old Tévez was voted Argentinian Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, a reward for transforming CA Boca Juniors from an ordinary side into an unstoppable force who lifted the Copa Libertadores. He joined Corinthians in December 2004, became captain and added a Brazilian title in 2005.

UEFA Cup
Like Tévez, Mascherano impressed at the FIFA World Cup to become a target for Europe's leading teams. The former CA River Plate player, 22, operates in defensive midfield and has 20 caps for his country, five less than Tévez. Promoted in 2005, West Ham reached the FA Cup final last season to qualify for the UEFA Cup where they will play US Città di Palermo in the first round.

Young goalkeeper