Chelsea close in on Gary Cahill transfer

Gary Cahill Bolton defender Gary Cahill looked certain to join Chelsea, and that is still probably the case, although negotiations between player and the club have hit a snag. That these were made public by the west Londoners has not gone down (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea were today confident of completing the signing of Gary Cahill in time for Saturday's Barclays Premier League game at Sunderland.

It is understood Cahill's move from Bolton could be finalised this afternoon after almost a fortnight of haggling over personal terms.

Chelsea boss Andre-Villas insisted no deadline had been set for an agreement to be reached with the 26-year-old England defender, who would become his first January signing for a reported fee of £7million.

Villas-Boas said this afternoon: "Still ongoing negotiations, not that we don't want it solved as soon as possible.

"We're making good, solid progress."

Villas-Boas refused to criticise Cahill or his representatives for the delay, amid reports they were holding out for wages of £100,000 per week, £30,000 more than Chelsea were said to have offered.

"It's part of negotiation," Villas-Boas said.

"I'm sure all parties are protecting their interests and we'll reach an agreement.

"Let's hope to conclude it this week."

Chelsea cannot afford the impasse to continue for another fortnight of the January transfer window.

But Villas-Boas was confident of being able to move quickly for other targets should the Cahill deal collapse.

"We kept a couple of other options available and hopefully we can act quickly if that's the case," he said.

"But I'm pretty confident it will happen."

If there is no movement before the weekend, Cahill will be in contention for Bolton's trip to Manchester United.

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle said this morning: "Dialogue continues between Gary's agent and Chelsea.

"We accept it has probably been long-drawn. It is over two weeks ago that we agreed a fee.

"But sometimes that is the nature of football business. It can take that period of time.

"Gary is a Bolton player and, until I hear something different in terms of negotiations being concluded between both parties, he will be in line to play against Manchester United."

It has been suggested rival suitors have made their interest in Cahill known.

However, this was news to Coyle, who insisted Chelsea remained the only current option for the player.

"If other clubs are linked with him, it is just speculation," Coyle said.

"We have agreed a fee with Chelsea. I have had no dialogue with any other club.

"We recognise it is the silly season but I don't deal in rumour. I only deal in fact.

"The fact is we have agreed a fee with Chelsea. We have not spoken to anyone else. That is where we are."

PA