Luka Modric will wait until the summer before deciding whether to commit to a new Tottenham contract. The Telegraph says Chelsea still hope to convince Modric about a move. Though Spurs' fine form and burgeoning squad has increased optimism further at White Hart Lane that they are the rising force in London, the fact is he would earn more money if he moves west.

Indeed, Chelsea will only drop their interest if Modric signs a new contract or they sign another midfielder, such as Porto's Joao Moutinho, and despite Tottenham's hopes, the saga adds extra spice to the encounter between the two top-four contenders at White Hart Lane.

It is understood that Modric, who signed a six-year deal in 2010, is planning to wait until the end of the season before committing further to Spurs.

His decision could depend not only on where Tottenham finish in the Premier League but it could also come down to cold, hard cash.