Aston Villa are close to sealing the capture of Steve Sidwell from Chelsea after agreeing a fee for the midfielder. It’s been confirmed that a £5.5 million fee has been accepted by the Blues and Sidwell is now set to discuss personal terms at Villa Park [source].

The move will undoubtedly add further fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding the future of Gareth Barry. So far, Villa have rejected each and every approach made by Liverpool for their skipper but it now seems all the more likely that Barry will be on his way following the likely capture of Sidwell.

Sidwell himself could well be a shrewd signing by O’Neil. The former Reading man has been predictably restricted in terms of appearances at Chelsea gaining just 10 starts last season in all competitions. He was however a key figure in the Reading side that performed so well in their first Premiership season, making 35 appearances claiming 4 goals and 6 assists along the way. In their promotion year he chipped in with 10 goals in 29 starts. His fantasy potential is clear then.

Likely to be placed in the low-to-mid price bracket, Sidwell could make a few shortlists – certainly his potential will increase as a result of a move to Villa. If O’Neil allows him the freedom to get forward and his pre-season form is good, he could well be a decent proposition to consider. Certainly if Ronaldo remains classisfied as a midfielder, it will be cheap options alongside him, like Sidwell, who will become popular targets come squad shopping day.