Chelsea are thought to have joined the hunt for Bolton defender Gary Cahill, with the Blues ready to launch a January raid.
Chelsea have been hit with an injury crisis in the heart of their defence with both John Terry and Alex expected to be sidelined for some time.
The Stamford Bridge side are now thought to have turned their attentions to Cahill, who could be available in January after chairman Phil Gartside hinted the club's top players could be sold in the transfer window as the Wanderers can demand a bigger fee than they would be able to in the summer.
Cahill has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and Inter Milan and if Chelsea do step up their interest in the talented centre-half it could spark a bidding war.
Arsenal are said to be weighing up a £12million move for the former Aston Villa defender in January, although Bolton are unlikely to allow the 24-year-old to leave for less than £15million.
However, if Terry and Alex recover before the January transfer window opens Chelsea may opt not to make a move for Cahill, while they have also been linked with Benfica's David Luiz.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has stressed his desire to hold onto Cahill and the player himself has stated he is happy to remain at the Reebok for the time being, although he is keen to test himself at a bigger club in the future.
If Cahill is sold in January Coyle will have to seek a replacement, with Zat Knight the club's only other recognised centre-half as Andy O'Brien is currently on loan at Leeds and it appears as if he no longer figures in Coyle's plans.
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