Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock is considering suing West Ham now that the two clubs have concluded their legal dispute over Carlos Tevez.

The Blades agreed a settlement with the Hammers on Monday after claiming compensation for the part Tevez played in keeping the London club up in 2007.

Warnock, whose side went down, told the BBC he would be "seeking legal advice".

West Ham have issued a statement saying they will do everything they can to prevent "legal anarchy" over the issue.

With the wrangling between the clubs continuing, Warnock added: "We worked so hard that year.

"The club was going forward. You do feel bitter without a shadow of a doubt."

BBC Sport understands West Ham have agreed to pay the Blades about £20m in compensation, which will be paid in installments over a five-year period.

And if West Ham are sold within a certain timeframe, a further bond of £5m will be payable to Sheffield United.

Warnock, now boss of Crystal Palace, said he could think about his own position now that the clubs have sorted their issues.

"It's just been a matter of finalising all those details first before you think about your personal losses," he told Radio 5 Live.

In April 2007, West Ham were fined £5.5m by the Premier League for breaking rules over third-party agreements when taking striker Tevez and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano to Upton Park.

But they were not docked points and, ultimately, went on to ensure their Premier League survival, with Tevez playing a key part with his goals, including three in the last two games.

"One thing I can make clear is that West Ham won't agree to go through arbitration again with the players," BBC Sports News correspondent, Gordon Farquhar, explained.

"It can only be done with common consent, and that certainly isn't coming out of Upton Park."

Warnock spent seven-and-a-half years as Blades manager before resigning three days after they were relegated on the last day of the 2007 season following a defeat at home by Wigan.

As the Blades were losing that day, Tevez scored West Ham's winner at Manchester United - the club the forward went on to join.

Players from the Sheffield United team that were relegated also intend to pursue their compensation claim.

"There has been contact for some considerable time with West Ham's lawyers, and we could go towards arbitration," Chris Farnell, the lawyer representing the players, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think it (arbitration) is more likely to happen than not."

However, in a statement, West Ham said: "We have received no formal legal claims from Sheffield United players or their previous manager relating to the so-called Tevez affair.

"The club have settled the matter of compensation... and can see no basis for claims being brought outside the arbitration process, which has now been brought to a close.

"As a club we will strongly resist any attempts to prolong this matter through the courts to protect our interests and those of the wider game."

BBC SPORT