Newcastle and West Ham raided, HMRC makes 'several arrests' in transfer probe

A statement from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs confirmed that "several" arrests had been made, with assistance from the French authorities.

West Ham staid in a statement: "The club is cooperating fully with HMRC to assist their enquiries. No further comment will be made at this time.”

Reports suggest that Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has been among those arrested.

A statement from the tax body said: “HMRC has today arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud.

“180 HMRC officers have been deployed across the UK and France today. Investigators have searched a number of premises in the North East and South East of England and arrested the men and also seized business records, financial records, computers and mobile phones.

“The French authorities are assisting the UK investigation, have made arrests and several locations have been searched in France.

“This criminal investigation sends a clear message that, whoever you are, if you commit tax fraud you can expect to face the consequences. As this is an ongoing investigation HMRC is unable to provide and further detail at this time.”