Tottenham Hotspur today moved a step closer to a court battle with Newham Council over the future of the Olympic Stadium.

Bosses at the north London club have asked the High Court for permission to bring a judicial review action against the council.

Spurs lost out when the council, along with West Ham United, was selected as the preferred bidder for the Stratford stadium once next year’s Games conclude.

They sent Newham Council — along with several government ministers and the Olympic Park Legacy Company — so-called “letters before action” last month.

The letters gave each party a month to respond, but Spurs say Newham Council have failed to do so.

A statement reads: “The club has today sought permission from the High Court to bring a claim against the London Borough of Newham for judicial review of Newham’s process in providing a loan for the conversion of the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.

“The club wrote to Newham asking it to explain its reason and justification for its decision, but Newham has declined to respond to this request for information.

“Due to the time limits which apply to claims for judicial review, the club has had no alternative but to issue these proceedings in order to protect its position.

“The club continues to hold discussions with both local and national government bodies in order to seek to agree a feasible stadium solution.”

Newham Council declined to comment on today’s developments.