West Ham United coach Wally Downes could be key in their pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Downes knows Sidwell from their time together at Reading.

Sidwell has failed to settle at Villa Park, hindered by injuries, and a chance to relocate to London could suit the Arsenal academy graduate.

The biggest stumbling block could be the midfielder's wages as he earns around £45,000-a-week under Gerard Houllier and West Ham are unlikely to match that figure. But the Hammers may hope the chance to play more regularly could make up for any financial loss.