Trotters prepared to cash in on Cahill

Published Apr. 29, 2010 5:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

Bolton boss Owen Coyle says he will not stand in Gary Cahill's way if a big club comes in with a bid for the defender this summer.

Cahill has won many admirers since moving to Wanderers from Aston Villa in 2008 and is in the running for a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup.

Manchester United are one of several clubs linked with a move for the 24-year-old and, should he make the plane to South Africa, Cahill is only likely to attract more attention from potential suitors.

Coyle, who has touted the centre-back as a candidate for the World Cup since arriving at Bolton from Burnley in January, is aware that it may become increasingly difficult to hang on to Cahill, but insists he would never impede the progression of a player's career.

"I have always said, regardless of what club I am at, that if there comes a time when any player outgrows the football club, I won't be the person to stand in their way," Coyle said.

"I said it to my Burnley lads when I was there - if there is something better for them out there, then they would go and blossom. That will be the same with Gary Cahill.

"I have got everything crossed that Gary gets to the World Cup because if he does he will be terrific, if he is allowed the opportunity.

"And if that means that he is elevated to a position where they are all going to clamour for him, then good luck for Gary Cahill."

Another defender hoping to be part of Capello's plans this summer - and possibly vying with Cahill for the same spot in the squad - is Michael Dawson, whose Tottenham side take on Bolton at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Coyle feels Dawson has plenty to offer, but describes Cahill - who returned to action last month after having a blood clot in his arm - as the "full package".

"Gary Cahill is an outstanding player. He has been through such a traumatic time and come back from that, which shows you straight away that mentally, he is bang on," said Coyle.

"Dawson is a very talented player - they are two fantastic players, although obviously I'm going to side with my man as (Tottenham manager) Harry (Redknapp) will side with Dawson.

"That's only natural and the reason for that is that you don't realise how good a player is until you work with them on a daily basis.

"I could always tell you looking from the outside that Cahill was a very accomplished player, but working with him, he is a top player, and he could play for any club in the Premier League - counting all the top boys, absolutely.

"He is comfortable on the ball, he has got pace, he is terrific in the air and he is a goal threat.

"For me, Gary Cahill is the full package - and he is only 24, and getting better."