West Ham United smooth relations with Sporting Lisbon

West Ham United have ended their public war of words with Sporting Lisbon following a falling out between the two clubs in the summer over the signing of William Carvalho.

The Hammers threatened to take legal action against Sporting earlier this year due to comments made by the Portuguese side's sporting director.

Nuno Saraiva suggested that West Ham did not make a formal approach for top target Carvalho, but emails were leaked showing that a couple of offers were indeed tabled.

In a statement released via their official website, however, United revealed that they are now back on 'friendly terms' with Sporting.

"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," the statement read.

"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."

Carvalho is rumoured to still be on West Ham's transfer wishlist ahead of the January window.