Sevilla Warn Tottenham of Legal Battle in Cash Row over Federico Fazio

Tottenham Hotspur could be facing a legal tussle with Sevilla who claim Federico Fazio is still their player, despite being officially unveiled by the Premier League club.

Spurs confirmed through their official website on Wednesday that Argentine international Fazio had signed a four-year contract at White Hart Lane and was introduced to supporters ahead of the club's 3-0 win over AEL Limassol in their Europa League play-off victory on Thursday.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino said after the game he was unsure whether the centre-half – who replaces Michael Dawson who joined Hull City this week – will make his debut against Liverpool on Sunday.

But Sevilla insisted the player was in no position to represent another team as they are still waiting to receive Tottenham's transfer fee – thought to be his £6.3m release clause.

"Today Fazio is still a Sevilla player because he still has a contract with Sevilla which has not been rescinded," Sevilla president Jose Castro told Seville-based Estadio Deportivo.

"The money has been deposited, but not into the coffers of the club.

"I do not know what he is doing in England being presented, that is what I cannot understand. For that we have a legal team who will study what they must do. This is neither a satisfactory or desired departure. Tottenham paid his clause, but he will go only when his contract is terminated."

Fazio, 27, became Tottenham's latest acquisition of the summer following the arrivals of Michel Vorm, Ben Davies, Eric Dier and DeAndre Yedlin, the latter who will remain on loan at Seattle Sounders.

Pochettino initially looked to Villarreal's Mateo Musacchio as he sought to rebuild his defence but after the club were knocked backed in their efforts to sign him turned his attention to Fazio.

"I'm really happy to be here at this club, this great club with very good players. I'm really happy to be here," Fazio told the club's official website.

"I came to Tottenham because I think it is a very good team, a very good club with very good fans."