Tottenham Face Wage Conundrum in £7m Defender Chase

Tottenham are considering joining Chelsea in the hunt for Gary Cahill, following the news Chelsea are currently struggling to come to an agreement, but the defender's wage demands could exceed Spurs' pay structure.

Goal.com is reporting that Cahill is demanding a pay packet in the vicinity of £100,000 a week, along with a £4 million signing-on fee through his representatives.

Tottenham have long been chasing Cahill, but it was thought that with Chelsea in the mix for the defender, the north London side wouldn't be able to afford the same kind of wages.

But now that Chelsea are holding out on giving in to Cahill's demands, Tottenham could be in with a chance, and if they can show the England international that they are willing to pay him as higher wages as they can offer, he may be tempted to move to White Hart Lane where he feels more wanted.

It appeared to be a done deal just before the turn of the new year when Bolton confirmed that Cahill was in talks with Chelsea and the club had agreed a fee. But Owen Coyle admitted after Bolton's surprise win over Everton this week that the deal is not decided yet, with personal terms still a way from being met.

"I don't know if this will be Gary Cahill's farewell. The clubs have agreed a fee. Gary's representatives and Chelsea have only had one meeting about personal terms," he said.

The news could go either way for Tottenham; either Cahill will feel more wanted by Harry Redknapp and choose a club that's up and coming in the Champions League and the surprise success of the season, or the £7 million-rated star will take a lower offer than desired from Chelsea, which could still be higher than what Spurs can give.

Redknapp revealed in December that Tottenham are interested in Cahill, and that anything can happen in the January transfer window.

"I think he'll be a great signing for anyone," he said at the time.

"He's young, a good sort, good character. You can go out and buy superstar players but you need the Scott Parkers - the good lads that come in every day and get on with it, want to be here. They are worth their weight in gold.

"It's not all about having players with massive egos - if they want to do it, they want to do it.

"Gary Cahill is that type of good lad. I've always liked him.

"He's a good player. We'll have to see."

One thing Redknapp will be aware of is that Cahill is still available until he signs on the dotted line for Chelsea.