Now it’s Spurs vs Arsenal for Cahill

Tottenham are to rival Arsenal with a bid for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

The 5-1 home defeat to Manchester City underlined their need to bring in defensive re-inforcements and manager Harry Redknapp is hopeful of outbidding Arsenal who have improved their opening verbal offer to £10million.

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham were willing to offer various player swaps in an effort to sign Cahill earlier in the summer and are ready to offer £8million plus Sebastien Bassong or David Bentley.

However, Bolton are understood to want at least £12m for Cahill and are keen to sign Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha as a replacement should a deal be done.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has warned that his tough stance over Cahill will not relent until a realistic offer is made for the England defender.

Arsenal’s early offers were termed derisory by Bolton.