Race hots-up for England defender

Spurs have reportedly joined the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the race for Bolton's star defender Gary Cahill.

The England centre back has a release cause in his contract which means he can leave for a club that meets Bolton's £17m valuation.

Harry Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the former Aston Villa ace and enquired about him back in January.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is resigned to losing his star man but wants players in part-exchange for Cahill as a straight cash deal would end up going to help reduce their £90m debt.

Coyle said: "People have to make sure they come up with the right offer. He won't be going on the cheap, that's for sure.

"Gary could play for anyone and looking at a few of the deals that are going on right now, it surprises me there hasn't been a concrete offer."

The 25-year-old England international has been linked with a host of top clubs, and Coyle confirmed recently:

"There's been a lot of interest - and you don't have to be a genius to work out some of the top clubs in this country have been interested - but nothing concrete yet.

"It would take a lot of money. It is up to those clubs to put something firm to the chairman. He is not a player we want to lose, I have to stress that, but we have to accept if it is the right deal for the club and the player it has to be done and that then frees up cash for us to invest in the club.

"I would love him to stay. He is a fantastic player for the club and I am not saying I want him to go, but if he does it will be the right business for the club."

Source: Givemefootball.com

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