Players from the Sheffield United squad relegated from the Premier League in 2007 are pursuing £5m in compensation over the Carlos Tevez affair, with their claim looking increasingly likely to culminate in the Football Association convening yet another independent tribunal.

It is understood that lawyers acting on behalf of the 18 players are now prepared to take their case to arbitration under FA rules, with West Ham United refusing to countenance any further claims in the wake of their £26.5m settlement with Sheffield United. The players, who the FA has already confirmed would be within their rights to pursue their claim through its regulatory framework, believe that they are entitled to compensation to cover lost earnings and bonus payments.

Geoff Horsfield, who was a Sheffield United player during the 2006-07 season but failed to make an appearance, is the first player to publicly admit that he is seeking compensation. "There are no personal grudges against West Ham from any of the Sheffield United players involved, myself included," said Horsfield, who now plays for Lincoln City. "But the fact is we lost considerable sums of money as a result of being relegated to the Championship because our wages dropped as a consequence. It is nothing personal or about being bitter, but about justice."