Football FanCast guest columnist Tom Milner wonders that given United's failure to secure a deal for Tevez, whether they are now looking towards a cheaper option.

I'm certain that I wasn't the only United fan who is somewhat bemused at the clubs failure to secure the permanent services of Carlos Tevez this summer. The Argentinean was a sensation last season and chipped in with some invaluable goals and formed a telepathic relationship with Wayne Rooney. Surely if there was to be a £30m+ signing this summer then it would have been the Argentinean and not Berbatov.

I can't help feel that United took a huge risk with Tevez; given that he is only with us on loan. It is all well and good the club coming out and claiming that there is no such hitches and that it will be resolved in the new year, but I wonder if the club are possibly having second thoughts and are maybe looking elsewhere. It is reportedly going to cost the club in the region of £32-35m to secure the deal; however with the current financial climate the way it is, you do sense that either the demands and fee of the player are going to have to dramatically reduce or the club are going to have to look for the cheaper alternative.

I don't normally buy into transfer speculation, but the very fact that the player came out himself last week and felt the need to express concern suggests twitchiness on the part of the Argentinean. I honestly believe that Tevez wants to stay at Old Trafford, but he knows more than anyone that he is owned by a third party and therefore his wishes will count for little, as he will be open to the highest bidder. There are cheaper options out there and with the crunch hitting all football clubs, United may have no option.

In the past week the club has been linked with Wigan's Antonio Valencia and in the past few days with the new Brazilian sensation Douglas Costa; who has seemingly the whole of Europe's elite vying for his signature. A £21m get out clause will certainly prove a damn sight cheaper and given that he is of similar ilk to Tevez will only make it even more appealing to the money men at Old Trafford. Valencia likewise will only cost United in the region of £18-20m, so Sir Alex may have his hand forced when it comes to the end of the season.

Should United pay over the odds for Tevez in January or are they looking to move for a cheaper option?

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