Villas-Boas eyes defender deal

Skysports.com understands Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has made signing a new British central defender one of this top priorities in this summer's transfer market.

New Blues chief Villas-Boas has earmarked the heart of theChelsea defence as an area of the side that needs strengthening and he is now weighing up his targets.

There have been rumours over the future of Brazilian defender David Luiz with Barcelona and Real Madrid both linked with the Benfica man so Chelsea could be in the market for defensive reinforcements.

Sources now believe Villas-Boas is drawing up a list of British talent to bolster his defence, which includes Bolton defender Gary Cahill and Birmingham star Scott Dann.

Cahill and Dann have both been linked with moves away from their clubs with a host of top teams keen to bolster their defensive options this summer.

Arsenal are believed to have Cahill and Dann on their wanted list as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in a dominant defender to shore up his rearguard after struggling at the back last season.

Tottenham have also been linked with a move for Cahill with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp thought to be offering players in exchange for the former Aston Villa man.

Dann's future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer following Birmingham's relegation from the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has proved to be a massive success at St Andrew's and he has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the country.

The 6ft 5in stopper is seen by many seasoned observers as a future England international having represented his country at Under 21 level.

Aston Villa and Liverpool are also thought to be weighing up moves for Dann, while Stoke have already seen a bid rejected for the former Coventry man.

It is believed Dann is desperate to stay in the Premier League and could represent value for money at around the £10million mark making him a better option than Cahill because of his price tag.

The race for both Dann and Cahill is expected to hot up in the next few weeks with a host of the Premier League's top clubs ready to battle it out with each other for the services of the duo.