Source: SKY_Sports
Tevez settlement reached
West Ham and Sheffield United have brought an end to the Carlos Tevez saga by agreeing an out-of-court settlement for compensation. The two clubs have been in dispute ever since Tevez helped secure the Hammers' Premier League status at the Blades' expense in 2007.However, with the affair having dragged on for almost two years a conclusion to the matter has finally been found.Sky Sports News understands that the Hammers have agreed to pay an initial £15million to the Blades in installments, with the final compensation package believed to be in the region of £25million.The agreement now means an independent tribunal which was due to reconvene on Monday will no longer proceed.In a joint statement, West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury and Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe said: "Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham United to an end. The tribunal will not be resuming."Draw a lineDuxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line under this whole episode. "We have had very positive discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs."This now allows us to concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include a strong finish to the Premier League season and possible European qualification, without any negative impact on our long-term project. We wish Sheffield United well in their bid to secure promotion from the Championship."McCabe added: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham. Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions were friendly, co-operative and in the best spirit with both the Blades and the Hammers advisory teams."We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next season. "We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with West Ham at all levels."