Liverpool are ready to push through with a deal for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.
The Guardian says the Reds are monitoring the 24-year-old England international - who has been consistently linked with a move away from the Reebok in recent weeks - with a view to making a bid in the New Year.
Arsenal had originally been expected to do battle with Manchester United for the services of Cahill, who is thought to have caught the eye of both Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson with a string of imperious displays for the Trotters.
But Liverpool are now apparently the frontrunners for his signature as Roy Hodgson looks to bolster his defence following the long-term layoff of Anfield hero Jamie Carragher.
The defender will be sidelined for three months after dislocating his shoulder as Liverpool lost to Spurs on Sunday, and Cahill has allegedly been identified as a potential replacement for the future.
