Sheff Utd players may sue Hammers

By Frank Keogh

Tevez's goals helped West Ham avoid relegation in 2006-07

West Ham could face legal action over the Carlos Tevez affair from players relegated with Sheffield United.

At least 10 players, who suffered financially after relegation in 2007, approached lawyers with a view to claiming compensation from the Hammers.

Lawyer Chris Farnell said: "I've been contacted by various players with a view to looking at this claim but at this stage I can say no more."

Sheffield United are already demanding £30m compensation from the London club.

It emerged earlier in the week that an independent tribunal had ruled against West Ham in the Tevez case.

The Hammers plan an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

606: DEBATE Tell us what you think about the latest twist in the Tevez saga

The Blades claim Tevez was not eligible to play at the end of the 2006/07 season, when he played a key role in West Ham's top-flight survival at their expense.

Past and present players have held discussions with Farnell, of the Manchester-based firm IPS Law.

It is understood they could claim for lost earnings running into millions of pounds.

The latest development comes in a troubled week for West Ham.

New boss Gianfranco Zola saw his team, who are sixth in the Premier League, knocked out of the Carling Cup by Championship side Watford.

The tribunal ruling came as the club is still searching for a new shirt sponsor following the collapse of travel firm XL Holidays.

Striker Carlton Cole was arrested by police in central London at 0425 BST on Tuesday on suspicion of drink-driving.

And forward Dean Ashton could be out for a month as he requires ankle surgery.