Villa on brink of Sidwell swoop

Aston Villa are confident Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell will become their first summer signing – possibly within the next 48 hours – according to sources close to the midlands club.

Sidwell is set to hold talks with new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari and he is expected to be told he is behind the likes of Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Deco in the battle for a midfield spot.