Chelsea hope to frustrate Spurs over Everton's Pienaar

Chelsea have prepared to make a direct assault on Tottenham Hotspur by trumping their Champions League qualifying rivals' agreement to recruit Steven Pienaar.

Following a series of failed contract renegotiations, the South Africa international, 28, has resolved to leave Everton when his deal expires this summer. He has informally agreed to join Tottenham on a free transfer, but would prefer to bring the move forward to the current transfer window.

Tottenham, however, have baulked at the extra expenditure of around £3 million (Dh17m) required to sign the player, preferring to focus on an attempt to take David Beckham on a short-term loan from LA Galaxy.

Such has been the deterioration of Chelsea's form that the club's participation in next season's Champions League is in doubt. To avoid the potentially catastrophic scenario, officials have begun scouring the January market for players available at bargain prices.

In December, Chelsea offered £16m to Benfica for the defender David Luiz - half the Portuguese champions' asking price.

Last week, inquiries were placed with Pienaar's representatives as to his immediate availability. Everton's player of the season last campaign, Pienaar has proved himself an effective Premier League performer capable of playing every position in midfield.

A further attraction lies in Pienaar's eligibility to play Champions League football, with the chance to interfere with Tottenham's plans an added bonus.

Any deal would depend on Roman Abramovich's approval. While the club's owner has sanctioned a search for reinforcements, it remains to be seen if he will alter a long-standing policy of reducing his investment in the first-team, in net terms.

Both teams are in FA Cup action today, Chelsea v Ipswich Town and Tottenham v Charlton.