Tottenham boss Martin Jol is believed to have turned down a £10million bid from London rivals Chelsea for right-back Pascal Chimbonda.
Blues chief Jose Mourinho has already been busy in the market since the end of the season, snapping up Steve Sidwell and Claudio Pizarro on free transfers.
And he is now trying to bolster his right-back options, as neither Geremi not Paulo Ferreira impressed in the role last season.
Glen Johnson, who was lured to Stamford Bridge by former boss Claudio Ranieri, spent the season on loan at Portsmouth and does not feature in Mourinho's long-term plans.
So the Portuguese coach approached Spurs in a bid to sign Chimbonda, but was swiftly knocked back, according to the News of the World.
Dutchman Jol only recruited the flamboyant Frenchman from Wigan for £5million last summer, and having landed Gareth Bale from Southampton now has his first-choice full-backs in place.
Mourinho is also a big fan of Manchester City's Micah Richards but knows he would cost more than Chimbonda and is aware he no longer has a blank cheque-book due to a frosty relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
CKeer
I believe Chelsea can offer player in exchange right? Geremi or Ferreira would be ok.