Bolton manager Owen Coyle has denied that the club has received any offers for much-vaunted centre-back Gary Cahill.

But his generous tribute to the 25-year-old justified interest from leading clubs, such as Arsenal, who have been linked with a £10m offer for the recently-capped England international.

Coyle has also maintained his interest in taking Arsenal’s Mexican international striker Carlos Vela on loan.

 

Coyle insisted: “I have not had any dialogue with any other club regarding Gary Cahill’s situation. He is a top performer, capable of playing for any of the top clubs.”

But the Scot added: “I have always said that the right time for Gary to move would be the summer.”

Bolton have been linked with 23-year-old Middlesbrough defender David Wheater, although Coyle insisted that this was just speculation and people putting “two and two together.”

On Vela, Coyle explained: “We have made an inquiry but I think it would be towards the end of the month before Arsenal make a decision as to where he would be suited to going.”

The Trotters were unfortunate to lose to a late, hotly-disputed goal at Anfield recently but still lie seventh in the EPL with Europa League dreams intact, despite missing a host of chances in dropping two points at home to struggling Wigan.

They also threatened to be a major FA Cup story at the weekend when they needed two late goals to overcome non-league York at the Reebok.

And this Saturday, they face the always-awkward EPL trip to Stoke...