New Bolton gaffer Owen Coyle has admitted that he sought assurances over the future of Gary Cahill before agreeing to take over as Wanderers manager. The talented centre-back has been linked with a number of Premier League rivals after a series of impressive displays earned him a call-up to the England squad.

Coyle sees the defender as an essential component of the Trotters' fight against relegation with Bolton only out of the relegation places on goal difference.

He said: "We have always been focused regarding Gary Cahill.

"I knew he wasn't going anywhere. That was one of the stipulations when I came here."

Coyle said: "What we have to do now is concentrate on the players we have. We need them to play to their maximum and elevate ourselves up the table."

Coyle explained why Portuguese striker Ricardo Vaz Te decided to stay at Bolton and not move to Hamilton on loan.

"It was an opportunity for him to go and play at a good level but he felt it was a bit rushed with it being transfer deadline day," said the Bolton boss.

"Ricardo said he did not have enough time to think things through. He decided to stay put and that is fine by me."