West Ham chasing Chelsea defender Cahill

West Ham United are considering a move for Chelsea's wantaway defender Gary Cahill during the January transfer window. The centre-back is planning a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in search of regular first-team football.

West Ham have been on an expensive squad rebuilding programme and the club's board are looking to improve their defensive options as soon as possible.

Cahill, who has just 8 months remaining on his deal with the Blues, has told reporters that he plans to leave Chelsea either in January or the summer following and that he intends to stay in the Premier League.

West Ham are admirers of Cahill's talents and are hopeful they can wrap up a deal for the 32-year-old defender from under the noses of Premier League rivals Southampton and Brighton.

Cahill is expecting to be guaranteed week in week out action at his next club and the Hammers are looking to bring in defensive mettle come January. 

It is understood that Cahill will sign a two and a half year contract at the club and the Irons will pay a fee of around £1.25 million to sign the former Bolton centre-back from Chelsea.