The England centre-half has been linked with a £10million move to Arsenal but Trotters boss Coyle says there has been no contact with the Gunners.

Coyle, who has had only four substitutes on his bench for the last two Barclays Premier League games, insists his threadbare squad cannot afford to lose any players this month.

He admits, however, that he may not be able to stand in the 25-year-old's way for much longer and has hinted that he could leave in the summer.

Coyle said: "I have not had any dialogue with any other club regarding Gary Cahill's situation.

"He is a top performer, capable of playing for any of the top clubs.

"Outside of his footballing ability he really is a top lad, a fantastic man.

"But I also have to give balance to that and recognise there will come a time when that type of player will sometimes outgrow your football club.

"I have always said I am not one for standing in anyone's way.

"If it is the right thing for the player and the right thing for the football club, that is something as managers we have to look at.

"But I have always said the right time for Gary to move - or any player in that bracket - would be in the summer.

"For any sort of club spending that sort of money, the player has got to hit the ground running.

"He would have no time to settle in and get to know the group he is working with.

"For me that would be the perfect time for any huge name to join a football club is in the summer, when you have got the pre-season."

Cahill's career has blossomed since he left Aston Villa three years ago in a £5million deal in search of regular first-team football.

Speculation over his future has gathered momentum following reports linking Bolton with Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.

Negotiations between the clubs over the 23-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, were thought to be under way but Coyle has played down the situation.

Coyle said: "I have had no dialogue with (Middlesbrough manager) Tony Mowbray, who is a friend of mine, and I am always reluctant to speak about other people's players.

"People recognise David Wheater might be available because of his contract situation and have probably looked and seen that Bolton, as it stands, only have two centre-halves in Zat Knight and Gary Cahill.

"People have looked at our numbers and put two and two together.

"He is a very talented player and has already shown in the Premier League he can acquit himself at a high level, but I think that's where all the speculation comes from."

Coyle has expressed an interest in taking Arsenal's Mexican striker Carlos Vela on loan but no deal is imminent.

Gunners youngster Jack Wilshere enjoyed a successful stint at the Reebok Stadium last season.

Coyle said: "We have made an enquiry but Arsenal have a few big games coming up.

"They have still got the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final and they have still got an FA Cup replay at Leeds.

"And there will be other interest for a quality player.

"I would think it would be towards the end of the month before Arsenal and Arsene Wenger make a decision, along with Carlos Vela, as to where he would be suited to going."