Wolves resigned to losing race for Sidwell signature

Wolves are resigned to losing out to Fulham in the battle to sign Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The Premier League strugglers confirmed yesterday they were in discussions with the 28-year-old, having already agreed a fee with Villa.

But club chief executive Jez Moxey today revealed Fulham were set to win the race for the former Chelsea man, who had earlier been on the verge of a move to West Ham.

He told the club website: "Fulham have come in for him, and, rather than take over his contract which runs to the end of the season, they have offered him a long-term deal.

"We move on, we've always said how difficult it is to get players in, especially at this time of the year.

"We never believe a player is ours until he actually signs, so there was no great surprise - although there was disappointment - here because we always knew there were other clubs interested.

"Even after a few days into the window's opening, it's already proving just as difficult as in previous years.

"However we continue to actively pursue at least two or three potential new signings."