Transfer News: £8m Defender Speaks Out On Transfer Rumours

Bolton centre back Gary Cahill has said he is fully focussed on his football and playing for the Wanderers, despite recent speculation over a move to Chelsea.

It’s been widely reported that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is on the look-out for a new defender after several disappointing defensive displays by his team this season. Many media outlets claimed the former Porto manager had made Cahill his top prority and was willing to test Bolton’s resolve with an £8m bid in January.

However, the England international has revealed he knows nothing about Chelsea’s apparent interest and is fully focussed on playing for Bolton, but understands that speculation over his future is to be expected given his contract situation:

“There’s no disguising the fact I am out of contract at the end of the season, so there will always be speculation,” he said. “For me, it’s just a matter of keeping focused and playing football and trying to play at the top of my game.

“I will deal with it when and if it comes. Nobody has a crystal ball so no-one has a clue what will happen.

“I am contracted to Bolton and they have been fantastic – I will deal with whatever is in front of me if and when it arrives.”

Cahill was strongly linked with Arsenal and Tottenham over the summer, with both London rivals submitting bids which fell short of Bolton’s £15m valuation. Its unlikely the Gunners will return with another bid after signing Per Mertesacker, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp remains keen on the player and will consider a move if the price is right.