Allardyce To Face Court Over Son?

Sam Allardyce may still be refusing to speak to the BBC after last year's Panorama expose, but he is a step closer to having to talk to a judge.

Solicitors for Israeli middleman David Abou have given Allardyce's son, Craig, seven days to respond to their claim of breach of contract or face a High Court case, in which the Newcastle boss is likely to be a key witness.

Abou claims Craig Allardyce reneged on an agreement to split the £135,000 commission he negotiated from Idan Tal's transfer to Bolton last year.

The pair had worked together on two previous deals involving Israel-based
players and the club then managed by Allardyce Snr.

Abou's solicitor, Eddie Parladorio, said: "We have sent a letter before action to Craig Allardyce's solicitors and in the absence of a satisfactory reply within seven days, we have instructions to issue proceedings in the High Court."

Another transfer involving the Allardyces is under renewed scrutiny. Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, whose move to Bolton was among the 17 Lord Stevens and Quest were unable to sign off, has been contacted by the FA.

Lord Stevens expressed concern about the relationship between Craig Allardyce and Peter Harrison, the agent in the deal.

It was claims about payments made to Craig Allardyce which formed the centrepiece of the Panorama programme.