Cahill would be good signing for top clubs

Bolton Wanderers are facing a face fight to keep highly-rated centre-back Gary Cahill in the January transfer window.

The newly capped England star has been impressive at the heart of the Wanderers defence this season and now has the major forces of English football chasing his signature.

Solid

Cahill has been a key part of Bolton’s solid season so far. He is the man who organises the Wanderers defence and for a young guy he has showed excellent leadership skills.

He has the potential to be a top quality centre-back and is improving with every game he plays.

Bargain

If reports are to be believed Gary Cahill is now rated in the £20million bracket. Former club Aston Villa must be absolutely sick over selling the star for just £5million. Now £5million seemed like a lot for a relatively small club at the time but it seems like a bargain now.

Aston Villa could do with the likes of Cahill in their team at the moment, as they continue to leak goals. Aston Villa fans must be regretting the defenders sale now and wishing that he had stayed.

Character

When he left Aston Villa it was as if the club were saying he wasn’t good enough for them. He could have let his head drop when he left Villa but instead he has shown great character to become one of the most wanted defenders in the Premier League.

He has shown the sort of mental strength that is vital to become a top class player. I would be very surprised to see the 24 year-old still stay at the Trotters much longer.

Big

Although Bolton are having a decent season I don’t believe that the former-Villa defender could turn down a move to a bigger club. In fact he has already stated in the past that wishes to play at the top level of football. I don’t think he would look out of place in one of the top teams in the country.

Rumours

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all being linked with a move for the big defender. All four clubs have defensive problems of sorts, despite being the top four in the Premier League.

Arsenal has looked dubious at the back for awhile now and continues to concede some really poor goals. Their shortcomings in defence could just cost them the Premier League title, it has in the past and this season they have been exposed at times.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger however has stated that they won’t be signing anybody in January. It could be a different story next summer, as according to Gunners sources Wenger does have money to spend.

Chelsea’s defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks through the absence of John Terry. Chelsea only has two recognised centre-halves in the shape of Terry and Brazilian Alex, who is currently in Brazil recovering from injury.

The other options available to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti are full-back Branislav Ivanovic and rookie Dutch defender Jeffrey Bruma. It’s clear that Chelsea needs to strengthen their defensive department and Cahill would be an ideal signing.

Manchester United has the outstanding defensive partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. However Ferdinand has been struggling with injury in recent months and when he’s not in the team United look vulnerable at the back.

United’s defensive backup Jonny Evans has struggled this season and has not made the progression expected of him this term. If United sign Cahill then I’m sure he would be a good long-term replacement for the increasingly injury-prone Ferdinand.

Manchester City has also been linked with the defender but City are linked with every player who shows any sort of talent these days. I would say that he is more likely to join the Gunners or the Red Devils and he would prove a good signing for both.

Finances

Bolton are struggling financially as chairman Phil Gartside revealed recently. Unfortunately they can’t afford to turn down a bid money offer. He is a fans favourite but it’s a fact of Premier League life that smaller clubs have to sell their best players to survive and Bolton will be losing Cahill sooner or later.

Summer

Big clubs don’t generally make big money signings in the January window, so Gary Cahill may have to wait till next summer for a move to a leading club. When he does get his opportunity I’m sure he will take it with both hands.

Will Gary Cahill move to a bigger club in January?