Chelsea boss Avram Grant has set up a £12million summer deal for Croatian midfielder Luka Modric - casting doubt over Frank Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge.
Grant has gone back for Dynamo Zagreb playmaker Modric, 22, to beat off competition from other top European clubs.
The Croatia star has emerged as one of Europe's most wanted talents after impressing in his nation's Euro 2008 qualification campaign as he helped knock out England.
Modric had offers in January but decided to stay put. Chelsea's fresh approach is likely to succeed at the end of the season.
That could raise doubts over England midfielder Lampard's future as he is already sweating on his place for the Carling Cup Final with Tottenham on Sunday.
Lampard has been stalling on signing a new contract and his Chelsea deal expires in 18 months' time. He has been critical of Grant's rotation policy after being axed for the Champions League draw with Olympiacos this week.
But Lampard insists he wants to stay despite facing competition for his place for the first time in his Chelsea career from German midfielder Michael Ballack.
I can’t see the signing of Modric really ruining Lampards chances of holding down a first-team place at the Bridge.
The Croatian is a playmaker just as Frank is yet the former generally plays out wide whereas Lampard is restricted to the centre of the park. The players more likely to be under pressure at Chelsea are Wright-Philips, Joe Cole and Florent Malouda.
Plus, if Avram Grant knows what is good for him, he will keep Lampard in SW6 such is the midfielders affinity with the club and its fans.