Bolton Wanderers have won the race for Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill.

The Sun says Cahill is on his way to Bolton in a £4.5million move from Aston Villa. Both clubs have agreed a fee and Cahill, 22, is expected to sign today once personal terms are sorted.

The defender made 30 appearances for Villa but has dropped down Martin O'Neill's pecking order.

Cahill has been on loan at Sheffield United this season and attracted the attention of Birmingham and Derby.

But Wanderers, who had a £4m offer refused last week, came back with a higher bid.

Villa boss O'Neill decided to accept it as he now has Martin Laursen, Curtis Davies and Zat Knight in the same position.