Bolton are keen to ward off any suitors trying to tempt highly-rated defender Gary Cahill from the Reebok Stadium.

Chairman Phil Gartside has already begun preliminary discussions about a new deal with the player's representatives.

Manager Gary Megson said: "The chairman has been speaking to him and his people about offering him a new deal. And regardless of that, he is still under contract here anyway."

He added: "From a club point of view, I have been very, very pleased with him. Gary came here to play more first team football week-in, week-out and he's got that."