TEAMtalk : Chelsea have missed the deadline to seal the signing of Bolton defender Gary Cahill in time for their Premier League game against Sunderland.
The Blues were confident on Thursday of wrapping up the deal by the end of the week but that had not happened before the midday cut-off for Cahill to be registered for Saturday’s Stamford Bridge clash.
It remained to be seen whether the Trotters defender would complete what has been a protracted move later on Friday and become Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas’ first January signing.
If not, Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has already confirmed Cahill would be in contention for his current employers’ trip to Manchester United.
An additional 24-hour delay would not necessarily be a bad thing for Chelsea, with Cahill undoubtedly strengthening a Bolton side they will be hoping take points off United on Saturday.
But the more time that passes without an announcement, the more doubt is cast over whether the parties have been able to agree personal terms.
It is now more than a fortnight since Bolton accepted a £7million bid from Chelsea for their prize asset, who was in the final six months of his contract.