Bolton are set to sell England centre-back in January

Bolton look to have lost their battle to keep centre-back Gary Cahill and will sell the England international in the January transfer.

This admittance will cause a stampede for the defenders signature. He could be set for a move to one of the top teams in England.

Defeat

Bolton boss Owen Coyle told Sky Sports: “ It’s fair to say there’s interest in Gary, and there will be,”

“It doesn’t surprise me. I’ve said from day one I believe Gary Cahill can play for anybody, I think he has those qualities.

“ There’s nothing signed and sealed at the moment but it’s fair to say there has been dialogue. I’ve got to be up front and tell you, as I always do, and that’s the situation.”

Quality

Gary Cahill is really a top quality centre-back and he has been one of the reasons that Bolton have kept their heads above water in recent years, until this season. He has all the attributes of a really top centre-back and if he continues to progress in the same manner he could be top class defender.

He is far too good to be playing in the current Bolton team but he has shown incredible loyalty to the Trotters. He has stayed with the club despite heavy interest from some of the Premier League’s top teams. However I think he has paid back his loyalty to Bolton and deserves his shot at the big time.

Bargain

With his contract expiring next summer Gary Cahill should be available at a knockdown price. Bolton could have sold Cahill in the summer but a move to Tottenham collapsed at the last minute. Now Wanderers have to sell or risk losing the defender on a free transfer in the summer.

I can imagine that everybody at Bolton is now regretting the decision not to sell the centre-back last summer with the club in severe financial trouble.

Linked

Cahill has been linked with just about every top team in Premier League. Tottenham may refresh their interest in the centre-back but they seem unlikely to do so. The current favourites to sign Cahill are Chelsea.

Chelsea are in need of a new centre-back with Brazilian centre-back Alex wanting to leave the club. John Terry and David Luiz haven’t exactly been in sparkling form in recent times either. Cahill would provide a very good extra option at the back for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Bolton are also interested in signing Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran on loan and that could be a factor in the deal. Bolton boss Owen Coyle has a reputation for helping young players develop into top class players.  Chelsea may feel the deal could benefit the youngsters development.

Arsenal have also been linked with the ex-Aston Villa centre-back. The Gunners had a bid rejected for Cahill in the summer but could return with an offer when the January transfer window opens.

The Gunners defence have improved in recent months but Cahill would be a good partner for Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners defence.

Bigger

At 26 years of age Gary Cahill is now ready to move up to the next level. He has already stepped up into international football without difficulty. Now is the time he steps up a level in his club career and proves he has what it takes to be a top centre-back.

Who will sign Gary Cahill when the January transfer window opens?