Cahill signs but Alex deal in limbo

Gary Cahill is thought to have agreed personal terms and could play in next Saturday's Premier League game at Norwich City (AFP/Getty)

The Bolton defender Gary Cahill underwent his medical at Chelsea's Cobham training ground yesterday morning and watched his new team-mates beat Sunderland 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the afternoon prior to being officially unveiled as a Blues player tomorrow. The England centre-half has agreed personal terms and could play in next Saturday's Premier League game at Norwich City.

But confusion clouds the status of the man he is set to replace, Alex, the centre-back deemed surplus to Andre Villas-Boas' requirements. Reports indicated that they had accepted an improved offer from Queens Park Rangers, but the club denied that a deal had been done, Villas-Boas adding: "I'm sure that the clubs can reach an agreement if they continue to push. We know Alex's market value, not that QPR's offer is far, far off."

Celtic have turned down "a couple of offers" for the striker Gary Hooper, their manager Neil Lennon revealed, from Southampton, whose manager, Nigel Adkins, knows the player from their time at Scunthorpe. "They will have to pay proper money," Lennon said.

Chris Samba, the Blackburn centre-back who texted in sick on Friday and wants a transfer, will have tests at hospital his manager Steve Kean said. "We'll make sure the virus he has is not too serious, that it clears up and he can be available for Everton."