Chelsea have become favourites to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill in January, according to the Daily Mail.

The 25-year-old was close to a move away from the Reebok in the summer, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur being the possible destinations.

While neither club could reach the desired asking price for the England international, Chelsea are believed to be interested in lodging a bid in the winter transfer window.

The former Aston Villa centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season, which indicates that the Blues could nab Cahill for a cut price of £7m.

The defender could be a welcome addition to the former Premier League champions, who have recorded only two clean sheets this season.