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Away from the pitch, the Carlos Tevez compensation fall-out continued today with reports that at least 10 players who were relegated with Sheffield United are considering launching their own legal action against the Hammers.

The players, who have suffered financially as a result of Sheffield United being relegated to the Championship in May 2007, have opened discussions with sports lawyer Chris Farnell with the intention of launching their own compensation claim. The players would have received a collective bonus payment of £1m if they had survived the drop and there could also be a claim for millions in lost earnings, with their wages dropping by as much as 50 per cent after relegation.

Farnell told the Daily Mail: "I've been contacted by players with a view to looking at this claim."
Yesterday the Hammers were told that plans to appeal against the £30m they may have to pay Sheffield United over the Tevez ruling would probably fall on stoney ground but today they insisted they would press on with their plea to the Court of Arbitratrion for Sport.

The Upton Park club believe their appeal will still be valid despite the speculation that both parties must agree to the appeal before it is considered.

West Ham have employed former Manchester United legal expert Maurice Watkins to spearhead their legal battle.