Andre Villas- Boas is eying up a shock move for Spurs' centre-back Michael Dawson.
Chelsea are at loggerheads over the expected transfer of Luka Modric to SW6 and could further damage relations by opting to nab Yorkshire-born but Chelsea-supporting Dawson, 27, if their bid to get Gary Cahill, 25, from Bolton fails.
With Alex earmarked for a move to Bayern Munich next week, Chelsea are in need for defensive cover and Cahill and now Dawson are on Chelsea's radar.
Chelsea are hoping to tie up the Modric deal next week and then cheekily offer £15m for Dawson.