Spurs deny wrongdoing over Chelsea players

The chairman of Tottenham, Daniel Levy, insisted yesterday that the club have not illegally approached any Chelsea players. Controversy surrounding Chelsea's conduct has escalated in the past week following allegations of an illegal approach for Spurs' sporting director, Frank Arnesen.

However, reports have suggested that Stamford Bridge officials are in turn upset at Spurs' conduct, although Levy maintains the club have not spoken to any player without permission.

Levy said in a statement on the club's official website: "News of a letter Chelsea wrote to the club following our meeting on Tuesday, accusing us of illegally approaching some of their players, has now found its way to the Evening Standard.

"I can assure you that we wrote back to Chelsea in the strongest possible terms. We have not spoken to any player that they have not given us permission to do so. It could not be clearer."

Talks between the clubs to resolve Arnesen's future are in progress, with Levy adding: "Discussions continue between ourselves and Chelsea and there are meetings planned for next week."

Levy also confirmed that Spurs will not complain formally about their London rivals' approach for Arnesen if they receive "fair and significant compensation".