Bolton manager Gary Megson plans to build his side around defender Gary Cahill, while the club negotiate a new contract for the player in the meantime.
Cahill has been one of The Trotters’ standout performers this season, and his form has seen him linked with Arsenal.
Megson has been clear in his desire to hold onto the former Aston Villa man, who was an unused member of England’s squad for the World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan on Saturday.
And now the Bolton boss has paid Cahill the compliment of naming him as a key player for the club over the coming years.
“Gary is currently under contract and we are currently in the process of negotiating a new and improved deal for him,” said Megson.
“He has fully deserved his England call-up and we want him to earn many caps in the future as a Bolton Wanderers player.
“I want to build the team around him for the next few seasons.
“And that means we very much want him to stay with us here.”