Manchester United are on alert after Gary Cahill’s expected move to Chelsea has stalled.
Bolton had agreed a £7million fee with the Londoners for the England centre-back.
But the 26-year-old’s representatives have failed to agree personal terms at a first meeting with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas revealing on Friday that the club and Cahill were “miles apart” over wage demands.
Chelsea are offering £70,000 a week, while Cahill is seeking £100,000 a week.
Cahill is reportedly unhappy that he has been portrayed in the wrong light and is now having second thoughts about moving to Stamford Bridge.
Now United could make a move to bolster their injury-hit defence, according to The Sun.
Manager Alex Ferguson is minus captain Nemanja Vidic for the season, while Rio Ferdinand has struggled with injury problems.
Chris Smalling and the Da Silva twins have also been sidelined, while Phil Jones has been operating more in midfield of late.
Ferguson has insisted he has the money to spend in this month’s transfer window but added he would not enter the market unless the right player became available.
Chelsea are the only club to have made a firm bid for Cahill, although it is believed Tottenham will step in if the move falls through, according to the London Evening Standard.
Spurs have been interested in Cahill for some time and were already looking at signing another centre-half during the transfer window.
The club will only make a move if the Chelsea deal collapses completely because they are determined not to get involved in a bidding war with their London rivals.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle was delighted with Cahill’s performance. He was given the captain’s armband despite the ongoing talks with Chelsea and was rewarded when the defender bagged the winner.
Coyle said: “I think that showed the focus and desire Gary Cahill has to play.
“I wouldn’t expect any less. When you work with someone day-to-day you get to know them as a player but more importantly you get to know them as a person and Gary is a nice, genuine person.
“Chelsea have respected the fact that they didn’t want Gary thinking about other things, but I’m led to believe there will be further dialogue in the next few days.
“If that’s the case, then it’s great for Gary and obviously we adjust from there.”
