Chelsea miss out on Ben Haim deal

The Blues' weakness at the back has been exposed in John Terry's absence and they wanted Ben Haim as cover.

But they said in a statement: "Chelsea can confirm that it has been in discussions with Bolton Wanderers for the transfer of Tal Ben Haim.

"These discussions have been unsuccessful and Ben Haim will not be joining Chelsea in January."

Chelsea are believed to have bid £2m for the Israeli defender, whose contract runs out during the summer and the fee appears to have been the stumbling block.

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Bolton boss Sam Allardyce said: "At the moment it looks like he will be here for the rest of the season.

"We have not had an acceptable offer from any club at the moment.

"Unless that changes in the next few days we won't be accepting anything, probably going into next week, because whatever comes in that week means we would have no time to go out and spend that money on somebody else."

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