Carlos Tevez, one of the most talented strikers in the world who has been chased for more than a year by Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal, looks likely to sign for — wait for it — West Ham United this afternoon.

If West Ham and Tevez are able to confirm personal terms, this could be the biggest and most surprising signing ever by an English team. Tevez is the type of bulky striker who could do extremely well in the physical EPL. And Tevez’s finishing is absolutely clinical.

At the same time, West Ham will also likely sign defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano — another Argentine. Both Mascherano and Tevez would be loan signings for 2006, which would undoubtedly transform the Hammers into a very dangerous side in the Premiership and UEFA Cup.

Mascherano, also, had been a target of Man United as a replacement for Roy Keane.

These two signings, if they go through, could have huge ramifications on the Premier League. Rather than be a four horse race between Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United for the title, the Hammers may be able to mount a challenge and get results against the top four, making it more of an open league than ever before.

Stay tuned to the EPL Talk Blog for updates on the latest signings, or visit the BBC page at
http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5235160.stm for more breaking news.