Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has said he is mystified about the deal to sign Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar.
A move to Spurs had looked to be on the cards but they then failed to up their offer of £2m plus a further £1m depending on appearances after Chelsea topped their bid.
The Champions have had a £3m offer accepted by Everton but after talks broke down between them and Pienaar on Friday, the switch appears to be off, albeit just for the moment.
Redknapp is bemused by the deal, and is hinting at foul play behind scenes to drive the price up although he won't admit that publicly.
He said: "I can't get to the bottom of it. I think I do know but I'll end up in big trouble.
"It's very strange to me how they have suddenly offered £3m. The manager at Chelsea, who is a lovely guy, comes on TV and he denies it. I don't think he is a liar."
