Bolton boss Owen Coyle has confirmed that Chelsea have made a move for their star centre-half Gary Cahill.
Although the Trotters are currently languishing in the relegation places in the Premier League, the club could be open to January negotiations for the England international as his contract expires in six months.
Earlier this week, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Cahill, and his Bolton counterpart has confirmed that the London club are in talks about signing the defender.
“Regarding Gary Cahill, there has been dialogue between ourselves and Chelsea. He is a top player and is fully focused on Bolton,” Coyle told reporters on Friday.
Bolton have benefited in recent years through loaning Chelsea players – notably Daniel Sturridge last season, while Gael Kakuta is currently on loan at the Reebok Stadium.
Chelsea are currently short in the defensive department thanks to injuries to David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic, whilst Alex was transfer listed last month.
However, Villas-Boas admitted he needs to make a decision on the future of the Brazilian centre-back.
“You know that we have taken a decision this season regarding the central defenders, regarding Alex,” he told reporters.
“We haven’t decided yet what we are going to do with the Alex situation.
“We have to make the wisest decision, be it Alex, be it Cahill.”