Coyle still hoping to keep Cahill

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle says it would ‘not be ideal’ to sell Gary Cahill, but admits the defender could still leave the club.

Several Premier League sides have been linked with a move for the centre-back since the end of last season, including Arsenal and Liverpool, but Coyle has maintained that no clubs have made an offer for the player yet.

Cahill played a starring role in his side’s 4-0 win over QPR on the opening day of the Premier League season on Saturday, and Coyle said the player’s preferred option needs to be considered when deciding whether or not to cash in on the England international.

“We will need to wait and see what the next few weeks holds before the transfer window closes. It would not be ideal for me to lose Gary, but I have always said, I need to be fair to Gary,” Coyle said.

“Any player wants to play at the highest level, to play the best teams, and there is nothing wrong with that.”

“I have said to Gary he can improve here with Bolton, and he has improved. In the 18 months I have worked with him, Gary has become an integral part of the England squad because of his performances and has improved no end.”

“There is no doubt he has taken his game to another level, but that was always going to happen with his age as well.”

“Hopefully with the platform we can give him and encouragement as a staff we can help him on his way to a fantastic career.”

Meanwhile, representatives from Tottenham and Manchester City were present at Loftus Road to cast an eye over Cahill’s display against QPR, according to the Daily Mail.

It is believed that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp and City first-team coach Attilio Lombardo were present at the game, sparking rumours that a move for Cahill could be on the horizon.