Bluebirds looking for help from Premier League rivals in Sala investigation

CARDIFF City have sent letters to other Premier League clubs to seek help in the Emiliano Sala legal transfer wrangle.

Nantes have demanded the first £5m down payment of the £15m record fee the Bluebirds agreed for the capture of the Argentine striker.

But Cardiff have frozen any payments whilst they conduct their own investigation into the matter.

The Bluebirds’ inquiry includes letters sent to Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace to ascertain whether that trio of Premier League rivals had any interest in signing Sala.

The move comes amid concerns that agent Willie McKay told Sala he had planted stories about interest from other clubs “in order to create an interest around you”.

That news, which was revealed in an email leaked to the media, has become a key part of the Bluebirds’ investigation.

Lawyers acting for the Welsh club sent letters to Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace seeking clarification about whether they wanted Sala.

One club has already responded. The other two are expected to follow suit shortly. Cardiff are anticipating the clubs confirming they had no interest in signing Sala.

The phrase “sharing your knowledge of Sala as a player” has been used by Cardiff’s legal team in the letter, as well as the description of Sala as “the player that Cardiff tried to sign” according to a report in the Mail on Sunday .

The use of the word “tried” is significant. Cardiff still dispute that Sala was officially registered as their player and are questioning whether they are required to pay the full £15m transfer fee.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman is quoted in the Sunday Telegraph as saying:“We believe that the player was not registered with the Premier League.”

Cardiff continue to seek more details of McKay’s tie-up with Nantes and want to know why Sala was flown in such a small plane across the English Channel at night, as well as seeking confirmation about the qualifications of pilot David Ibbotson to make the trip.

The Bluebirds have emphasised they will do the right thing with regards the transfer fee, but want the facts set out before embarking upon the next course of action.