Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, has moved to defuse the increasingly bitter dispute surrounding Carlos Tevez by expressing a willingness to discuss Wigan's complaint with the club's chairman, Dave Whelan. The league's board is also expected to inform relegated Sheffield United next week whether it will enter into arbitration over the long-running dispute.
Scudamore telephoned Whelan yesterday in response to an email sent by the Latics chairman to the Premier League and its 19 other member clubs which suggested that the chief executive - along with the chairman, Dave Richards - should consider his position over what was perceived as a "dereliction of duty".
The pair are understood to have had a "cordial" conversation, with Whelan asked to put any further questions in writing for consideration.
"The Premier League board and Mr Whelan have spoken today and both parties have agreed to continue their discussions in a manner more appropriate to league business," said a Premier League spokesman. "As such, Mr Whelan has agreed to submit his remaining questions of the board in full and writing. The board will respond in due course."
Whelan wants to see concrete proof that West Ham United, Tevez's club, have cancelled their third-party agreement with Kia Joorabchian's Media Sports Investment, which owned the forward, after the Premier League independent commission's decision to fine the Hammers £5.5 million but not deduct points. However, Scudamore has consistently stressed that the Premier League regulates only its member clubs and not third parties, and the board is adamant that West Ham have proved to its satisfaction that the agreement has been cancelled. The club are therefore no longer in breach of rule U18.
Joorabchian indicated yesterday the third-party contract had been "unilaterally terminated" on April 27th, with the businessman having since instructed his lawyer, Graham Shear, to "deal with the matter". Theoretically MSI could seek damages from West Ham.
The London club appear resistant to calls to make public the evidence that their original contract with MSI, as the third-party owner of Tevez, has been terminated. "As far as West Ham are concerned there is no more to be said on this," said a club spokesman. "We want to draw a line under the matter."
Scudamore and the league's lawyers are still determining how best to respond to Sheffield United's request that the dispute should go to an arbitration panel. The Blades, who were relegated on Sunday, had hoped they would receive a decision by the weekend but the league expects to make a decision early next week.
Tottenham could yet move ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign the Wales defender Gareth Bale, with the 17-year-old understood to be leaning towards a move to White Hart Lane.
Southampton accepted a bid from Tottenham during the January transfer window but the teenager, mindful that United were also interested and keen to finish the season on the south coast, opted to stay at St Mary's. With the Saints failing to win promotion, however, his departure is now regarded as inevitable.
Bale's future is expected to be discussed at St Mary's next week, with north London emerging as the most likely destination. Spurs are keen to add a left-sided player to their squad and it is believed that Bale has been made aware of the financial package on offer.
Bale was shown around White Hart Lane in January and although United's interest has flattered the teenager, the opportunity to play regularly for Spurs could be a decisive factor in his decision.
Tony Adams looks increasingly likely to remain as assistant manager to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth. The former Arsenal and England captain had intended to leave at the end of the season to resume the managerial career he started in 2003 with Wycombe Wanderers.
He has admitted that he finds aspects of his job at Portsmouth frustrating, most notably not being in the firing line to make major decisions but, despite other options, he has now indicated that he would like to remain at the club.
