Hernan Crespo is key to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti's move for Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez.

The Daily Mail says the new Chelsea manager called Tevez after obtaining the number from the striker's Argentina colleague Crespo and stressed he sees him as an integral part of his plans.

Crespo, who worked with Ancelotti when loaned by Chelsea to Milan four years ago, helped the Italian make contact with Tevez and it's understood they spoke on Sunday.

Ancelotti sees Tevez, who has been frustrated by a lack of games at Manchester United, as a key element in the changes.

Manchester City remain the most likely destination for Tevez, who is available for £25million when his loan deal at Old Trafford finishes at the end of this month.

But Ancelotti is known to be an admirer of the hard-working striker and if he can convince him to move to Stamford Bridge he will ask Roman Abramovich to meet the asking price set by Kia Joorabchian and his investors.