Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers have agreed a fee for defender Gary Cahill.
The England international, who has been linked with a switch away from the Reebok Stadium in recent months, has been given permission to speak to the former Premier League champions over a move.
"There has been a fee agreed between the clubs and we have now given Gary's representatives permission to speak to Chelsea," said Bolton boss Owen Coyle.
"That is where we are with it. We obviously have a game tomorrow and I have said to Gary that he has to be focused on giving everything for Bolton Wanderers, because he knows Bolton has been terrific for him just as much as Gary has been for us.
"That is why they have representatives to sort that out. And whatever January 1 brings, it will bring."
Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has been open about his desire to clinch a new defender, touting Cahill as a possible signing.
The 26-year-old was close to leaving Coyle's side in the summer, but reportedly had bids turned down from league rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Danielle Joynson
