KEVIN Davies admits Wanderers could have their work cut out keeping hold of Gary Cahill this summer.

Manchester City are in the driving seat to sign the England international defender, and are reportedly willing to offer £15million plus players to beat Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to his signature.

Dedryck Boyata and Nedum Onuoha are among those Roberto Mancini is ready to throw into the deal, and it is understood that Owen Coyle is especially keen on one or both of the defenders to be included as a makeweight should the Blues take the plunge.

Davies would love to see his fellow Yorkshireman remain at Wanderers but, with the top clubs circling for a summer deal, concedes it could be a tough task.

“The manager (Owen Coyle) has said himself that he has not had any concrete offers for him,” the skipper said.

“But, for me, he is one of the outstanding defenders in the league, so you would expect bids to come in.

“As a club we would like to keep hold of him. If the club decides to do the business it will look to spend the money. But we would be more than happy to keep him.”

Davies added that Cahill would not leave the Reebok under a cloud were he to decide to join a club who could guarantee Champions League football next season.

“We will see what happens,” he said. “If he goes we will wish him well, none of us will begrudge him that move.”