OWEN Coyle admitted the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Gary Cahill was starting to affect his defender’s form after seeing his side sunk at Anfield.

After rejecting an offer of £6million from Arsenal and describing it as “derisory” the Wanderers boss singled out his centre-half for criticism in a meek defeat on Merseyside.

Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam netted their first Liverpool goals, either side of a powerful header from Martin Skrtel.

Ivan Klasnic pounced for the Wanderers goal late on after a mistake from Jamie Carragher had gifted possession to Martin Petrov.

Coyle was reluctant to discuss Cahill's situation in the transfer market but did concede that he had not been at his best.

“I do think it had an effect on him today,” said the Scot.

"It's probably the first time I have seen him not be the normal outstanding lad that he is. But that can happen to anyone."

It would be another 12 months before the saga was sorted – Chelsea eventually snapping the centre-half up for a cut-price £8million – but in January 2011 rumours were rife that either Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester City wanted the former Aston Villa man.

"If something happens prior to Wednesday and Gary is to leave the club then I, as a manager, will wish him all the very best. He is a great lad," Coyle said.

"But if it doesn't then Gary is all heart and he will be ready to give everything for Bolton Wanderers.

"Gary wants to play at the highest level and there is nothing wrong with that ambition and he has been a terrific servant for Bolton.

"The bottom line is, if someone out there has a price that I think is the right value for Gary Cahill and they make an offer, then there is a chance business will be done.

"If they don't, there is nothing to talk about."