Time running out for Tevez

The Manchester City striker is desperate to feature in the May 14 showdown with Stoke at Wembley as the Blues attempt to end their 35-year wait for a trophy. Still missing with the hamstring injury he suffered at Liverpool on April 11, Tevez has only just started training with his team-mates and has been declared extremely doubtful to be in Mancini's squad for Saturday's trip to Everton. Tevez is convinced with another week's training under his belt, he will be fit enough to face Stoke. However, that is not enough for Mancini, who feels the 26-year-old has to play some part in a potentially crucial encounter with top-four rivals Tottenham at Eastlands on May 10 if he is to stand any chance of being involved. "If Carlos doesn't play against Tottenham, it is impossible for him to play in the final," said the City chief. "There is a chance but, at this moment, it is 50%. "He continues to train and yesterday he did something with us. "But it is difficult to know now what is going to happen in the next week. "We have 10 days but I don't know. We are waiting. We hope he will recover." If Tevez is not deemed fit enough, it will only fuel speculation the former Manchester United star is heading for pastures new this summer. History suggests the striker does not remain anywhere very long and by the end of this month, he will have matched the two years he spent at Old Trafford. Inter Milan are said to be amongst those interested, although City officials insist they have not received any approach for the player even if there is a realistic attitude at Eastlands to what drama may surround a player who slapped in a transfer request earlier this season. Understandably, Mancini is not prepared to let anything rock the boat at this delicate stage of the season. "It is no problem," said the City chief. "Carlos has a contract with the club. "Just now it is very important to think about the next 10 days because they are going to be very important for the club. "We can speak about other things afterwards." Should City gain the four points Mancini feels will be enough to secure Champions League qualification, a reshaping of his squad is inevitable. However, due to the forthcoming implementation of UEFA's financial fair play rules, high earners currently out on loan, such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz will have to be ushered out of the club before further spending can be agreed. There are others still at City whose futures are uncertain, particularly Brazilian forward Jo, crowd favourite Shaun Wright-Phillips and Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given. However, potential departures do not include Germany defender Jerome Boateng, who is attracting interest from Bayern Munich. "I am happy about that. If Bayern want him, it means he is a good player," said Mancini of the former Hamburg man. "Jerome has had many problems this year, including three or four injuries. But he is staying here. "I see him as a big part of the future. He is a young player and if he doesn't have a problem next year he will be one of the best defenders in Europe."