Sidwell signing close?

Last updated : 18 May 2008 By Tom Vickers

Steve Sidwell seems almost certain to be joining Villa within the next couple of weeks.
According to reports an agreement has been reached with
Chelsea, with a fee of around £5million being touted.
The dynamic central midfielder was a big hit when at
Reading and earned a lucrative move to Stamford Bridge last summer.
But, like so many promising English youngsters, the move to a top club never worked out and Sidwell has spent the majority of his first season in the reserves.
He has clearly been looking for an escape route which will allow him to re-establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the Premiership.
However, the signing of Sidwell could be bitter sweet for Villa fans as it appears to signal the end of Gareth Barry's 10 year stay at the club.
Although Martin O'Neill has vehemently denied such claims, many fans may remain unconvinced.