Owen Coyle: 'Transfer Gossip affected Cahill'

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle says transfer gossip affected defender Gary Cahill's performance in his side's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium, and the Trotters recently rejected a bid from Arsenal.

"I do think it had an effect on him today," said Coyle.

"It's probably the first time I have seen him not be the normal outstanding lad that he is. But that can happen to anyone.

"If something happens prior to Wednesday [the day the transfer window closes] and Gary is to leave the club then I, as a manager, will wish him all the very best. He is a great lad," he added.

Bolton host Manchester United on Saturday, September 10, after the upcoming international break.