Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has told Chelsea that they could bring an end to their defensive problems by meeting Wanderers’ valuation of centre-back Tal Ben Haim.
Chelsea, who have been short in defence following John Terry’s recent injury problems, have been linked with a January move for the Israeli defender and Bolton are thought to have rejected an initial bid of around £2m (€3m).
But Allardyce has insisted a deal can still be struck – if the Premiership champions return with an improved bid.
Allardyce told the Sun: “He’s a top player. He’ll be a lot better when he goes to Chelsea than Jose thinks. But that won’t happen until they match our terms. They could wait until the summer and get him on a free but it all depends on how much they need him.
“He could play in the Champions League as well as the Premiership.”