Aston Villa FC

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• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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Villa agree to sign Sidwell

09 Jul 2008 - 12:10:25

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Aston Villa have confirmed that they have agreed to sign Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell, subject to the 25-year passing a medical.

Villa have announced that the deal should be concluded within the next 24 hours.

Sidwell endured a frustrating time at Stamford Bridge last season following his transfer from Reading.

He started only 13 games for the Blues, with another 12 appearances coming from the substitute's bench.

Sidwell is expected to replace Gareth Barry who seems certain to leave Villa Park for Liverpool at some time this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa boss Martin O'Neill remains undecided on who will be the club captain in the new season.

He told Villa's official website: "There are quite a few candidates at the club and perhaps others not yet at the club.

"Martin Laursen would certainly be one of the names I'd be thinking about. He was terrific last season.

"There are a number of people who would want it but there are a number of people who are on my list who might not want it. I haven't discussed it yet.

"There are quite a few candidates at the club and perhaps others not yet at the club. So that's something I'll look at further down the line."