Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is closing in on a deal for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

O'Neill is clinging to hopes that the 25-year-old, who will arrive for a fee of around £4.5million, will be working in tandem with Gareth Barry and not replacing him.

Sidwell will take a cut of around 50 per cent on his current earnings at Stamford Bridge which are thought to be around £65,000, although any loss will be sweetened by a sizeable signing on fee, says the Birmingham Mail.