A Chelsea statement released to the Press Association read: “Chelsea Ltd made an official approach to Tottenham Hotspur for permission to speak to Frank Arnesen two weeks ago.

“Chelsea Ltd has been in direct discussions with Tottenham for the last two weeks on this subject.”

The Premiership champions were fined earlier this week and given a suspended three-point deduction for their role in an illegal meeting with Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole.

The points deduction will be activated if a similar offence occurs in the next season, although rule K3 which they were punished for applies to “contract players” and Arnesen is a sporting director.

Also the Premier League are yet to receive a complaint from Spurs officials about the alleged approach to Arnesen.

“We have not received an official complaint,” said Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson. “We await to see the action Tottenham wish to pursue.”

Arnesen has told Spurs he wishes to move to Chelsea, which resulted in the club’s board suspending him with immediate effect.

A statement on the Spurs website, www.spurs.co.uk read: “Chelsea Football Club has made an approach to sporting director, Frank Arnesen, in direct breach of FAPL rules.

“This approach was made both prior to requesting permission and without permission from the club. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club refused permission for any discussions to take place.

“Notwithstanding that he is subject to contract and holds wide-ranging responsibilities and commitments to all parties at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Frank has indicated that he wishes to move to Chelsea Football Club. Accordingly, the Board of Tottenham Hotspur plc has suspended Frank Arnesen with immediate effect.

“The club is currently in discussions with its legal advisors and a further announcement will be made in due course.”