Villa agree Sidwell deal

12 April 2012

Aston Villa have agreed to sign Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell - Martin O'Neill's first capture of what is expected to be a hectic second half of the summer.

The midlands club have settled on what is believed to be a fee of around £5 million for the former Reading player, subject to him passing a medical.

A club statement said: "Aston Villa have agreed to sign Chelsea's former England Under-21 midfielder Steve Sidwell, subject to a medical."

The 25-year-old played a major part in Reading establishing themselves in the Premier League two years ago before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.

The former Arsenal trainee, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City, had limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho and then Avram Grant as Chelsea narrowly missed out on Premier League and Champions League glory.

His arrival will offset some of the disappointment surrounding the club over the expected departure of Gareth Barry to Liverpool.

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