Villa defender Gary Cahill has signed for Bolton Wanderers, rejecting a move to Blues because he wanted to quit the Midlands.

The 22-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the Reebok Stadium after turning down a move to St Andrew’s.

The fee is believed to be around £5m.

Cahill said: “It is the right move for me to come to Bolton. I had a look around their set-up and met with the manager and chairman, and I was impressed with what I saw and heard.”

The defender rubbed more salt in Blues’ wounds by claiming his finest moment in Villa colours was his scissors kick goal against Birmingham in the Second City derby.

“I will always remember that goal against Blues. It’s just a shame I didn’t play more games for the club,” said Cahill.

“That one definitely stands out. I am grateful to the fans who have been super with me – I hope they remember that goal fondly.

“It was an unbelievable moment in my career and made my name here.”

Trotters manager Gary Megson said: “He is a player I have admired for a long time.

“Gary is very talented and at 22 years of age has a very, very bright future ahead of him. It is fantastic news that he has agreed to join Bolton Wanderers.”

Birmingham bosses admitted Cahill’s decision was a blow and said they had offered the defender more money.
“The club is extremely disappointed as a lot of hard work and effort was put in to make a further addition to our squad,” said co-owner David Sullivan.

“This is a player we chased very hard, but in the end despite matching the best offer that Villa received and then making him the best personal financial offer, Gary decided that saw his future playing career away from the Midlands.”