West Ham United are finalising a January deal for Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell.
The Mirror says experienced midfielder Sidwell was in London for a medical and is sorting out personal terms on a move that will end his stay at Villa and give him first-team football.
Boss Avram Grant has been pleading for reinforcements and the club's negotiators have come up with the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading man after failing to land Joey Barton from Newcastle.
Sidwell is joining for the start of the window as Hammers know there is no time to lose in their bid to stay up. The cost of the deal will depend on their survival this season - and in the future.
Hammers will pay a small sum up front, with extras on bonuses. But the move makes sense if Sidwell can bring some extra drive and experience to their small squad.
