West Ham are preparing to fight an independent tribunal's decision to rule in favour of Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Hammers face a £30million damages payout but their lawyers are looking at ways to appeal against the decision which they believe could set a dangerous precedent for football, reports the Daily Mail.

A club spokesman said: "We are digesting the report of the arbitration panel and will decide the next step once we have consulted with our lawyers."

One possible route for West Ham would be to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Another option for the club would be to reach a settlement with United before 2 October, when the compensation fee is due to be determined at a separate damages hearing.