Gary Cahill is already on the outer at Chelsea.

The Daily Star says the £7m centre-back's signing from Bolton was orchestrated by owner Roman Abramovich.

The England defender, 26, was recommended to the Russian billionaire by his scout and personal adviser Piet de Visser, 77. Since joining the Blues a fortnight ago, Cahill has yet to feature in three matches - Sunderland at home and QPR then Swansea away.

He was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw in south Wales on Tuesday despite skipper John Terry being injured. Instead, manager Andre Villas-Boas moved Branislav Ivanovic from right-back to central defence,.

It seems unlikely that AVB will hand Cahill his debut at home to Manchester United on Sunday.