In October I started banging on about United signing Gary Cahill and I haven't changed my mind:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/901329-manchester-united-transfers-10-potential-targets-for-sir-alex-in-january/page/16

With Chelsea having now agreed on a price and a transfer in principle with Bolton, he is clearly in play. The Blues are arguing about Cahill's terms apparently.

There is no doubt that his salary demands would fit in with United's pay-scales, especially as he is an established England international.

So, he's available right now and here are 10 reasons why Sir Alex should sign him.

Injuries and Stability

It may well be that United are experiencing an unparalleled injury crisis which seems to be going on and on. In fact, it's a miracle that it didn't increase last night, given the combative nature of the Newcastle match.

As with a couple of seasons ago, the team's central defence has been hit hardest, especially with Vidic being out for the rest of the season.

When Michael Carrick has to play centre back again for two matches, you know it is time to sign an experienced central defender with an excellent injury record, immediate Premier League experience, and all the characteristics to fit right in.

There is also the matter of stability. The machinations that Sir Alex has had to go through to put out a team that can defend as well as attack, with midfielders missing as well, argue the case for bringing in someone who can play week in and week out.

The Blackburn & Newcastle Defeats

Apart from the injury and stability problems that have had an impact on recent results, last night showed that there was a desperate need to freshen things up.

A few key players: Nani, Rooney, Jones and Evra are beginning to look jaded. Antonio Valencia may be very competent at right back. That is a bonus, but he is best at right wing.

Bringing in Cahill would give a mid-term boost to the squad.

Also, the central defence was poor last night and this gives further reasons to sign Cahill.

Phil Jones

Phil Jones has been a revelation since he joined Manchester United. There is a running debate as to his best position.

It is easy to forget that he is only 19. He is probably delighted that he has had so many chances this season and has revelled in midfield when he was played there.

Last night he had his worst game of the season. He looked uncomfortable and actually quite worn out. He needs the break that Cahill would provide.

Not only that, but the signing could save an awful lot of money down the road.

If Jones plays regularly in defensive midfield, United might get away without buying another midfielder.

Anderson is back and looking sharp. Cleverley is due. Carrick is playing out of position in a holding role. Pogba is chomping at the bit and there are other talented youngsters waiting to come through.

In addition, Wayne Rooney has shown he can play as a 'trequarista', with a holding midfielder alongside him.

Bringing Cahill in could allow Jones to develop into the role that Roy Keane and Bryan Robson played so well.

Nemanja Vidic

The good news is that Vidic's operation was successful. The bad news is, he won't return before next season.

Furthermore, there's no guarantee he'll be the same player. He apparently severed all three ligaments. The modern game is played at pace and Vidic was already a yard slower than Smalling, for example.

Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, and others lost a 'yard of pace' through ligament injuries.

Sadly, it might be best for Vidic and United to cash in the interest shown from Mourinho, for example. In fact they might recoup the whole of Cahill's cost. He would be a ready-made replacement who could start right now.

Rio Ferdinand

Sir Alex has already referred to Rio's loss of pace and recommended he adjust. He was certainly caught out a couple of times against Newcastle.

He also has a growing history of back problems. You can't afford to have a key player like him withdrawing at the last minute, leaving Michael Carrick, for example, to slot in.

Cahill is not the player that Ferdinand was at his best, but Chris Smalling could be. Cahill is more a Vidic or John Terry style of player.

Even if Rio stays beyond the end of this season, he will surely be no more than a squad player in future, who is likely to retire much younger than Giggs, or even Scholes or Neville.

Once again, there are teams on the continent who would buy Ferdinand for his last couple of years and he would fit in well in the warmer climes and more leisurely pace of Italy or France. He might also recoup Cahill's cost.

Evans, Rafael, Fabio

Jonny Evans continues to be prone to lapses of concentration, most notably his sleeping while Balotelli scored City's first goal; and again when he gave away the penalty for which he was sent off.

Sir Alex has always been said to have a high regard for Evans and he has played some good games. He also has the virtue that he can cover at left back and that may indeed be his future.

He is 24 now and should be the finished product. Cahill looks like a much more reliable bet and is the finished article at 26. That doesn't mean he won't get even better under United's coaching and from players like Vidic and Ferdinand.

Rafael and Fabio are mentioned, because they look so physically fragile. They certainly seem to be injury prone. Rafael especially is still likely to do the studs up sliding tackle that has got him sent off before.

If the twins are not going to be regular starters, there will eventually be a need for cover on both quarters, so even if Evans stayed, he could cover left back and we already know Jones and Smalling can play at right back. That leaves plenty of opportunity for Cahill in the middle.

£7 Million

Sir Alex's mantra is that there is no value in the market—especially in January.

If Cahill isn't valued at £7 million, nobody is. A year ago, he would have cost £25 million. Buying him would also prevent one of United's rivals from getting him. Arsenal may have declined, but Chelsea have agreed on a fee and Spurs are watching with interest.

The stumbling block with Chelsea seems to be Cahill's wage demands, but through a mix of a signing on fee and the right salary, he would comfortably fit into United's wage structure.

There are potentially half a dozen young centre-halves coming through at United. If Cahill was sold, he would surely command at least twice what United had to pay for him.

Good business!

He's Locally Based

Gary Cahill was born only an hour away from Manchester in Sheffield. He played for Villa before going on loan to Burnley and Sheffield United.

Now playing at Bolton, signing for Manchester United would mean he wouldn't even have to move houses, like Phil Jones from Blackburn.

He is said to be angry that Chelsea have made his negotiations public and may be holding out for United:

http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/window-watch/is-gary-cahill-holding-out-for-a-swoop-from-man-utd/

Acclimitisation

Hernandez seems to be suffering from 'second season syndrome'. Other foreign players have taken time to adjust to the Premier League. Some, like Fernando Morientes, never made it.

It can even take time to settle at Manchester United. While Phil Jones and Michael Owen say "it's just like home," Anderson and Nani took a while to settle in and find their best form.

Most players move onto a higher plane after they join United. Phil Jones is a very good example. Hernandez will be in due course.

Cahill has hardly missed a match recently for Bolton. He is up and running, playing at the intensity that United demand, every week. It's got to be harder playing defence for Bolton than United.

He can hit the ground running while the rest of the defence gets fully fit.

England, England

Apparently, every England defender who has played with Gary Cahill rates him highly. And he scores goals (as the Everton match showed).

Signing him could be win/win/win as far as the three parties are concerned.

At United, he would get to play with Jones and Smalling week in and week out, probably for years. That would be great for England.

It would also be good for United if he does the same for England. Yes, there is the perennial risk of injury, but half the time he would only have a short journey back to Old Trafford after the match, unlike Hernandez and Valencia.

Finally, playing for United would surely improve Cahill as a player. This must enhance his chances of becoming a fixture in the England team, where he would get even more international experience - ideal for the Champions League.

Chelsea, like United, are in transition, but there seems to be much more turmoil to come at Stamford Bridge.

By joining United, Cahill would not only expect to win trophies, but would be also joining Fergie's 'fourth dynasty', being one of the more senior players in a young, vibrant, and exciting club environment.

Get it done, Fergie!