Aston Villa central defender Gary Cahill finally looks poised to complete a move to Bolton.

The two clubs are understood to be close to agreeing a fee of between £4.5million and £5million.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill had rejected an initial bid from Bolton for the academy product - plus another from local rivals Birmingham.

But it appears Cahill, who has just returned from a three-month loan stint at Sheffield United, could finally be heading for the Reebok Stadium.

A Villa source said: "There is nothing concrete decided but it wouldn't be a surprise if something happened in the next 24 hours or so."

Cahill has found himself fourth-choice central defender at Villa behind Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies and Zat Knight.

O'Neill is under no pressure to sell Cahill but recognises his desire to play regular first-team football, something he could not guarantee him at Villa.

The Villa boss also has to decide on the future of another defender, long-serving Olof Mellberg, after confirming a bid had been received from Juventus for the Sweden international.

Mellberg had been content to complete the current campaign with Villa and help them push for a European spot before ending a seven-year spell at the club.

But Juventus have made it clear they want to sign the 30-year-old before the transfer window closes - and that could depend on whether O'Neill has another right-back lined up.

The Irishman is also being linked with goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who plays for MLS side Chivas and has just completed a trial with Celtic, plus Tottenham wide player Wayne Routledge.

A Villa spokesman said: "Our policy is not to comment on any transfers until they are signed and sealed."

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