Bolton: Chelsea's defensive options are set to be bolstered by the signing of Bolton centerback Gary Cahill after the two clubs agreed on a fee for the England international.
The 26-year-old Cahill, who is out of contract in the summer, has started negotiations with the London club over personal terms, although Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said on Friday that the two parties were still "miles apart regarding an agreement."
If the transfer goes through, Cahill would cost Chelsea a reported fee of around 7 million Pounds and provide competition for fellow centerbacks John Terry and David Luiz.
"I think his technical attributes are immense. His pace is fantastic as well," Villas-Boas said.
While Cahill has become a regular member of England's squad under manager Fabio Capello, he has struggled at times this season at Bolton, who are second from bottom in the Premier League and face the genuine prospect of relegation without their best defender.
Cahill came close to joining Tottenham in August but Spurs manager Harry Redknapp ran out of time on transfer deadline day to conclude a deal.
"There are weaknesses and they are also related to the collective weaknesses of Bolton," Villas-Boas said. "He's a player that at international level has been playing well. He can add to this squad or any squad in the Premier League."
Chelsea are in fourth place in the standings and have slipped 11 points behind the two Manchester clubs in the title race.
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