London: England defender Gary Cahill yesterday completed his long awaited move to Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers for £7 million (Dh40 million).

Cahill is regarded as one of the top centre backs in the country and will slot in alongside England team-mate John Terry in the Chelsea defence, where summer signing David Luiz has faced criticism since joining.

Bolton had already accepted Chelsea's offer but it took the London club close to two weeks to agree personal terms with the defender.

The 26-year-old had initially demanded £100,000 a week, but the two parties settled on £80,000.

Irish midfielder Darron Gibson, meanwhile, has completed his move from Manchester United to Everton, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Merseyside club.

The 24-year-old said United's former Everton forward Wayne Rooney persuaded him to make the move.

"I was speaking to Wayne about it a bit and after that and coming to see the facilities it was an easy decision," he said.

"He told me it was a great club and he really enjoyed his time and the people here.

"Having a word with him and people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville convinced me to come."

‘Very frustrated'

Gibson has featured rarely this season, and the return of 37-year-old Paul Scholes from retirement last week made his position clear.

"I was very frustrated," he said. "It was hard for me at times.

"I think when I did get a chance I did well, obviously I was getting left out and I was playing one or two games here and there.

"When Scholesy came back the manager told me I was free to go.

"Everton had shown some interest a month before and the gaffer [David Moyes] wanted me in so it went from there."

In the Scottish Premier, Nikica Jelavic fired Rangers back to the top with both goals in a dramatic 2-1 win over St Johnstone.

Vital winner

Croatian striker Jelavic opened the scoring mid-way through the first half at McDiarmid Park, but Carlos Bocanegra's own goal in the second period looked to have denied Rangers a much-needed win.

However, Jelavic bagged the vital winner with nine minutes to play.

Thanks to Jelavic's efforts, Ally McCoist's side took first place from arch rivals Celtic, but the Hoops could go two points clear at the top with a win over Dundee United in the late game at Parkhead yesterday.