http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/10/14/chelsea-eyeing-up-shock-10m-move-for-tottenham-star/
Tottenham left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto has emerged as a shock January transfer target for Chelsea.
The Blues have reportedly contacted their London rivals about the Cameroonian’s availability and are willing to pay around £10m to bring Assou-Ekotto to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s current left-back Ashley Cole, 31, has been told he will not be offered more than a one-year deal and the England star will seek an exit when the transfer window reopens, with mega-rich PSG interested.
The Blues are now considering Cole’s replacement and Assou-Ekotto tops a list that also includes Everton’s Leighton Baines.
Laid back Assou-Ekotto has made headlines during his six-year stay in England after admitting that he plays football for the money rather than out of love of the game.
But the 28-year-old has also impressed on the field, forming a formidable partnership with Gareth Bale down Spurs left flank and looking equally comfortable defending and going forward.
Spurs are understood to be keen to hold onto the Cameroon international but Assou-Ekotto has just 20 months remaining on his current deal at White Hart Lane and is aware that he can considerably increase his current wage of £40,000 per week in West London.
Belgian Jan Vertonghen has formed admirably at left-back in Assou-Ekotto recent absence with a knee injury and it is understood that Tottenham will consider accepting a bid from Chelsea if the former Lens man does not sign a new contract before the new year.