Sunderland are planning a £5 million bid for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The Shields Gazette says London sources indicate the midfielder has not settled well with the Blues, where his opportunities have been limited after a Bosman move from Reading in May.

But the chances of the Black Cats getting the Wandsworth-born playmaker would appear to be slim.

He has featured regularly for Chelsea this season, albeit mostly as a substitute, but made his first Champions League start in last night's goalless draw with Valencia.