Despite a small transfer budget for the current window, under-fire Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to strengthen his squad by signing a world-class midfielder.

The Italian initially wanted Everton ace Steven Pienaar but, after agreeing a L3m fee, the player’s

wage demands of L75,000 a week ended the proposed deal.

So now Ancelotti has turned his attention to Croatian star Kranjcar.

The ex-Portsmouth midfielder, 26, has struggled to get any first-team action since moving to White Hart Lane 18 months ago and has made just one start in the Premier League so far this season.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp confirmed last week that Kranjcar can leave – at the right price.

However, that was when Newcastle, West Ham and Fulham were chasing the playmaker, capped 61 times by his country. Whether Redknapp expected interest from Chelsea and would consider selling to one of their closest rivals is another matter.

But, with Kranjcar keen on the switch, Chelsea will test Spurs’ resolve by tabling an offer in the next few days.

Ironically, whether they get their man may well hinge on Redknapp’s pursuit of Pienaar, for whom Spurs have had a L3m bid accepted.