WEST HAM may yet face legal action over the Carlos Tevez saga, this time from the agent of the former striker, writes James Randall.

Kia Joorabchian the agent of the Argentinian striker - now setting the world alight at Manchester United - has filed papers at the high court requesting £7.1 million pounds in compensation.

Joorabchain claims that the Hammers struck a secret deal with him to stop the FA from handing them a points deduction, which would have resulted in the club being relegated last season.

The agent claims he has tapes, recorded at the Les Ambassedours casino in London, that show him with former Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson and chief executive Scott Duxbury striking a deal to cover up the agents ownership of the player.

In his papers Joorabchian alleges he paid the club £2m for West Ham to release Tevez's registration for the transfer to Old Trafford to go ahead and claims that West Ham agreed orally to return the money, plus costs, amounting to £2.6m.

And he now claims he has not been paid that money or a further £4.5m for separate dealings over Tevez.

The claims could cause a headache for the FA and West Ham, who wanted to draw a line under the matter after the Londoners were handed a record £5.5 million pound fine.

Tevez joined the club in August 2006 and appeared only 26 times, netting seven goals. Questions were then raised as to whether West Ham held the players registration, as third party ownership is illegal under the FA rules.

West Ham have already said they will defend themselves against this latest twist in the Tevez saga and deny Joorabchian's allegations.

The news will no doubt be welcomed though by Sheffield United, who are currently fighting a legal battle of their own, stating they were unfairly relegated because of the Hammers lenient penalty.