Liverpool plot raid on Chelsea target

Liverpool are being linked with a shock January transfer raid on Chelsea defender target Gary Cahill.

The Bolton Wanderers centre back has been heavily linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium in 2012, with the player's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

And with Owen Coyle looking to cash-in on the England international, it was confirmed on Friday that an offer reported to be in the region of £7 million was accepted from Chelsea.

However, Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has admitted that pesonal terms are far from agreed, and reports in The Daily Mirror now claim Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to 'gazump' their rivals for the player.

The Daily Mail goes onto claim that Cahill would prefer to stay in the north, offering 'King Kenny' more hope that the player will decide on Anfield over Stamford Bridge.

Dalglish will have to move fast to add the player though, and Coyle is still convinced that west London is the most likely destination for the former Aston Villa man.

"They've only had one meeting with Gary's representative and then, with the games coming up, I had to make sure Gary was focused. Gary hasn't spoken to Chelsea yet," said Coyle.

"It's like anything else, if I got into a meeting with you, we're not going to shake hands after two seconds and agree, you're going to be apart, that's how negotiations work. Whatever comes in the next few days, it'll come."

Cahill would join England international teammate John Terry at Chelsea were he to make the move to the capital, with Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Daniel Sturridge also amongst their ranks.

As for Liverpool, they have the best defensive record in the Barclays Premier League this season, with Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel in fine form on Merseyside.

However, the chance to add one of the country's premier defenders is one the Liverpool boss may be unwilling to turn down, with Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Andy Carroll also on the books for the 18-time English champions.

Source: Givemefootball.com

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