New Twist In Tap-Up Row

Last updated : 06 August 2006 By Kevin Markey

The tap-up scandal took a new twist amid allegations the players' union helped Chelsea lure two youngsters from Elland Road.

And in an exclusive in the News of the World, Dunsford accused the Londoners of pinching one of his young players too.

Dunsford says: "Chelsea have to be stopped one way or another. We lost highly-promising youngster Scott Sinclair, 17, after he had joined this club at the age of nine.

"We got just £160,000 up front at arbitration. That's absurd but Chelsea really play the system and aren't like other Premiership clubs who negotiate properly. What they are doing is wrong and the rules have to be overhauled to bring this to an end."

The newspaper reveals the players' union acted as agents for the two Leeds kids.

PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire last night confirmed he represented England U-16 midfielders Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo when they opted to sign pro forms with Chelsea.

McGuire insists he was asked to act for the two kids at Leeds' request after it became clear Chelsea wanted to sign the academy trainees when they were free to listen to offers.

But Leeds claim another players' union official, Phil Sprowson, actively helped to lure the pair from Elland Road before they were officially allowed to.

McGuire added: "We would strongly contest there has been any conflict of interest on our part. We have nothing to hide."

Under strict regulations, they would have had to wait until March 2006 before they could talk with any other clubs.

The FA last night confirmed a disciplinary hearing is pending over accusations Chelsea have breached rules.