West Ham have reported Sunderland over an alleged illegal approach for Demba Ba, Sky Sports News understands.

West Ham make claim over Demba Ba

Confirmed

West Ham United have reported Sunderland to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach for Demba Ba,understands. The Senegal international striker looks set to depart Upton Park this summer, following the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League. Ba is attracting the interest of a host of clubs, as revealed byearlier this month, but now West Ham are claiming Sunderland have taken their reported interest too far. West Ham have made a complaint to the Premier League, although Sunderland have now seemingly distanced themselves from making a bid.A Premier League spokesman confirmed that they have received a complaint from the Hammers' which will now be considered. He said: "We have received a letter from West Ham United. We will look into their complaint to see if there is a case to answer." The regulations are detailed in Section K of the Premier League rulebook and state that a club cannot approach a contracted player at another club either directly or indirectly without prior written consent. Indeed, even a public statement expressing an interest in a player can be construed as an offence. However, a Sunderland spokesman said: "Sunderland AFC is fully aware of the Premier League regulations pertaining to player recruitment. "If we are interested in any player currently under contract with another club, we will speak directly to that club, in line with the regulations." Newcastle and Aston Villa are also amongst those clubs believed to be interested in landing Ba.