Villains snap up Sidwell

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Steven Sidwell from Chelsea, for a fee believed to be in the region of around £5 million. Sidwell joined the Blues only last summer from Reading, but failed to make an impression and regular football with the first team.

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

It is understood that the £5 million fee also includes performance fees, and that Villa have paid £3.5 million up front.

Aston Villa were desperate to find a successor to Gareth Barry; who looks destined to join Liverpool this summer.