Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has suggested the possible transfer of Luka Modric could help him build "a better team".
Premier League rivals Chelsea have been credited with a long-standing interest in the Croatia playmaker and have had two recent offers knocked back by White Hart Lane officials.
Redknapp said he had sympathy for Modric because "he's had his head turned" but hinted he could use the cash generated from his sale to strengthen top-four hopefuls Tottenham before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
Redknapp, quoted in a series of national newspapers, said: "We've got two options with Luka. Either we keep a fantastic player or we sell him, get the money and bring in four players and have a better team.
"I want him to stay but if he's going I want the opportunity to get other players in.
"There's no chance the chairman (Daniel Levy) will sell him on the last day of the transfer window. He did that with Berbatov a few years ago and ended up with no strikers. He won't do that again.
"It's a difficult situation for Modric. We all love our club and everything, but what would you do if someone offered to treble your wages?
"He's had his head turned by the chance to play in a team that could win the Champions League this season and I think people can probably understand that."
Former Dinamo Zagreb star Modric will miss the trip to Edinburgh on Thursday when Tottenham travel to take on Hearts in a Europa League play-off at Tynecastle.