West Ham United have revealed they have put an end to their disagreement with Sporting Lisbon over the transfer of William Carvalho, saying the two clubs now have ‘friendly relations’.

The Hammers were in pursuit of Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho over the summer, a move which did not materialise. In September, the Hammers revealed that they were pursuing legal action against the Portuguese club’s communications director, Nuno Saraiva, after he claimed the club received no offers from West Ham for Carvalho.

There were also unkind exchanges of words towards members of the Hammers’ board.

However, West Ham say that relations between the two clubs is now back on friendly terms, and the issue has been resolved.

A West Ham statement said: “West Ham and Sporting Clube de Portugal acknowledge that a breakdown in communication based on contacts between representatives from both clubs in respect of a possible transfer of William Carvalho was the cause of a misunderstanding.

“Subsequent to this, the clubs have had positive communications and the matter is now resolved.

“On this basis, friendly relations between the clubs will resume and there will be no barriers to both clubs negotiating or working together in the future.”

Whether or not the Hammers will re-new their interest in Carvalho remains to be seen.