Wanderers are moving quickly on to other attacking targets after drawing a blank with Blackburn Rovers’ Junior Hoilett and FC Porto’s Juan Manuel Iturbe.

Owen Coyle signalled his intent to recruit quality in this month’s window by making enquiries for both players, but it is understood he is now working on other deals.

Sources close to Hoilett claimed on Tuesday that the Rovers front man could yet stay at Ewood Park if the club show sufficient ambition in the transfer market.

Wanderers were prepared to pay £5million for the 20-year-old but are now investigating other options after it emerged he may see out his contract and wait to see what happens in the summer.

Coyle also made an ambitious loan offer for Iturbe last week but was told by FC Porto that they want to hold on to the Argentina international, compared by some to recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

Even though the 18-year-old has played just twice for Porto since his move from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño, he has been tracked by some of Europe’s leading lights.

And it is thought the idea of a lucrative offer has stopped the Portuguese giants from allowing the talented front man – who has an amazing £50m release clause in his contract – to leave for the Premier League to sharpen his talents.

Coyle could add two more attacking players to his ranks this window and will splash the cash if the right player comes along.

Gary Cahill’s £7m move to Chelsea is slowly edging towards completion, with reports emerging yesterday that the England defender is getting closer to agreeing personal terms at Stamford Bridge.

Contrary to rumours, it is not thought that either Manchester City or Manchester United have entered into any negotiation with Wanderers and that Stamford Bridge still looks the only likely destination for the 26-year-old.

Dedryck Boyata will also stay at the Reebok until May after it emerged the deadline for City to call back the Belgium international has passed.

Roberto Mancini had until January 3 to invoke a clause in the season-long loan deal between the two clubs and take the defender back to Eastlands.

With Vincent Kompany now suspended for four games after failing in his disciplinary appeal against his red card in the FA Cup against United and Kolo Toure on African Nations Cup duty, it had been speculated that Boyata would return to his home club.