Liverpool ready to gazump Cahill bid

Liverpool are trying to gazump Chelsea's move for Gary Cahill.

The highly-rated Bolton and England defender, 26, had been expected to join the Blues after a £7milllion transfer fee was agreed this week.

But the bid was threatened by a disagreement over personal terms and Kenny Dalglish is poised to swoop.

Cahill, who is out of contract this summer, is understood to prefer staying in the north.

Kop boss Dalglish is a big admirer of the centre-back who would compete for a place with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher at Anfield.

It was believed that Chelsea had already wrapped up the race for Cahill's signature.

Bolton chief Owen Coyle said yesterday: "There has been a fee agreed between the clubs and we have now given Gary's representatives­ permission to speak to Chelsea."

But Stamford Bridge manager Andre Villas-Boas later revealed that talks with Cahill had hit a snag, before appearing to suggest he was looking at alternatives.

Villas Boas said: "We're still miles apart regarding agreement with the player. We'll continue to monitor this situation, as we continue to monitor others.

"I think his technical attributes are immense and his pace is fantastic as well.

"He is a player that at international­ level has been playing well. He can add to this squad, or any squad in the Premier League."

Cahill joined Bolton for £5m from Aston Villa in January 2008.

He made his first England start in the 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana, at Wembley, in March, and got his first Three Lions goal in September's­ 3-0 Euro 2012 qualifying victory in Bulgaria.

Source: Daily Mirror

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