London: England defender Gary Cahill joined Chelsea from Premier League rivals Bolton on Monday.
The 26-year-old Cahill, who passed a medical on Saturday before watching from the stands as the Blues beat Sunderland 1-0, began negotiations with the west London club 16 days ago and reportedly cost 7 million Pounds.
The fee was lower than would normally be expected for an England international because Cahill would have been able to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his Bolton contract expired.
"Chelsea are a massive club," Cahill said. "It is a club that looks to win trophies season in, season out, and it is a big opportunity for me to be a part of that. Opportunities like this you can't turn down."
The centre-back is in line to make his debut for the Blues against Norwich City on Saturday, and will be available to play for Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth-round tie against either MK Dons or QPR, having not made an appearance in the competition so far this season for Bolton.
While Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League after 21 of 38 matches and occupying the final Champions League qualifying spot, Bolton are next-to-last and fighting against relegation.
The fifth England international at the club, Cahill, who will wear the number 24 shirt, is likely to line up alongside national team captain John Terry in central defence.
Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Daniel Sturridge are the other England players with the Blues.
Cahill started his career with Aston Villa and spent time on loan with Burnley before making his Premier League debut in April 2006. He failed to win a regular first-team place with Villa and joined Bolton for 5 million Pounds in January 2008. The defender made 130 appearances for the Lancashire club and scored 15 goals, the last of which came two weeks ago in a win at Everton.
He made his England debut in September 2010 and has scored once in seven appearances.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle hopes to sign United States defender Tim Ream from Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls, filling Cahill's place in Bolton's squad.
"He is a player that we would love to bring to the football club and hopefully in the next few days that can come to fruition," Coyle said.
The 24-year-old Ream has played seven times for the United States.
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