Real Madrid are joining the battle for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

The Sunday Mirror says Bolton's decision to price the 26-year-old ­defender out of a summer move to several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea could backfire on them.

Cahill has a £17million buy-out clause in his ­contract, a fee no club was prepared to meet as he entered the final year of his contract.

Bolton will now be forced to sell him at a ­reduced price at the turn of the year or run the risk of watching the highly- rated star walk out for nothing.

Spanish giants Real ­Madrid, managed by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, are now ­contemplating making a move for Cahill in ­January.

They are prepared to see off rival bids from the Premier League and securing the ­player's services for free.

If Cahill ­decides to move abroad he can sign a pre-contract ­agreement with Madrid and then ­complete a ­Bosman free transfer in the summer.