Shanghai Shenhua team manager Mao Yijun has conceded that Carlos Tevez's future with the Chinese Super League outfit is undecided.
Tevez joined Shanghai from Boca Juniors on a two-year contract in January, but the former Manchester United and Manchester City forward has struggled to settle in China.
The 33-year-old managed just four goals in 16 league appearances during his first campaign amid suggestions that he was keen to return to Argentina.
Yijun has conceded that it is "a pretty sensitive issue" as both parties look for a way forward.
"It's a pretty sensitive issue, we can't really answer that question at the moment," Yijun told Reuters. "It's safe to say that Tevez's performances didn't really reach our expectations.
"It's fair to say that. He has had some injuries with his calf and he didn't have a (pre-season) preparation period with us. However, in training and in the matches he did try his best and his attitude was very professional.
"But he didn't reach his top athletic performance because of his condition. We are still discussing his future with the club."
Shanghai finished 11th in the Chinese Super League last season.