Transfer News: Chelsea Favourites To Land £8m Defender

Chelsea are set to launch an £8m swoop for Bolton centre back Gary Cahill, according to reports.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has made a new defender his top priority during the up-coming transfer window and has identified the England stopper as the perfect candidate. Cahill was subject to several enquiries during the summer, with both Arsenal and Tottenham submitting offers.

However, both fell short of Bolton’s £15m valuation and the 25-year-old remained at the Reebok when the window slammed shut on September 1st. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out returning for Cahill, declaring he’s happy with his defensive options, but it’s thought Tottenham are still monitoring his situation and may rival Chelsea for his signature while Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is also a huge admirer of Cahill and may be tempted if the price is right.

Bolton have been forced to lower their valuation as the player is in the final year of his contract and could walk away for nothing in the summer, so Chelsea could land him for as little as £8m.