Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager, has admitted the club's move for Gary Cahill, the Bolton Wanderers defender, could collapse, with the two clubs "miles apart" over the player's personal terms.
Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager, on Friday confirmed the clubs had agreed a fee for the England international.
It emerged last week that talks had begun between the two Premier League sides over the sale of the defender, 26, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has for some time been linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium.
And it seems a deal is now imminent, with Coyle revealing that agreement over a price - believed to be in the region of £7 million (Dh40.25m) - has been reached.
But Villas-Boas said: "We're still miles apart regarding agreement with the player. We'll continue to monitor this situation as we continue to monitor others."
The Portuguese manager was confident, however, an agreement would eventually be reached and hailed the qualities Cahill would bring to Stamford Bridge.
"Gary has been this season involved in a fighting struggle with Bolton and a fight for position in the league," he said. "I think his technical attributes are immense. His pace is fantastic, as well. There are weaknesses and they are also related to the collective weaknesses of Bolton.
"He's a player that, at international level, has been playing well. "He can add to this squad or any squad in the Premier League."
Coyle meanwhile expects Cahill to give his all for Bolton until a deal with Chelsea is confirmed.
"We obviously have a game tomorrow and I have said to Gary that he has to be focused on giving everything for Bolton Wanderers, because he knows Bolton Wanderers has been terrific for him just as much as Gary has been for us," said Coyle.
"That is why they have representatives - to sort that out - and whatever January 1 brings, it will bring."
Villas-Boas said midfielder Josh McEachran would not be joining Bolton on loan but could move to another club.
Chelsea are also reported to be considering breaking the British transfer record for the second time in a year by moving for Brazil forward Hulk. Villas-Boas is said to be mulling a fresh attempt at prying Hulk away from Porto, who have placed a €100 million (Dh480m) buyout clause on the player.
Chelsea have lacked thrust in attack with Fernando Torres, who cost a record £50m in a move from Liverpool in January, struggling to find form, and Didier Drogba leaving to play in the African Cup of Nations.
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And%20Just%20Like%20That...
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 2 (Mahrez 04', Ake 84')
Leicester City 5 (Vardy 37' pen, 54', 58' pen, Maddison 77', Tielemans 88' pen)
Man of the match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
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Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance