Fulham have made a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell, Sky Sports News reports. The former Reading player has endured a frustrating time since leaving the Madejski Stadium on a free transfer to join Chelsea in the summer of 2007.

Sidwell was unable to force his way into the Blues' first team and was on the move again just 12 months later as he signed for Aston Villa in £5million deal.

Villa would be keen to recoup some of the fee they invested to secure the 27-year-old's services but will know his value has dipped with a lack of action in recent years and only 12 months remaining on his contract.

Sunderland and West Ham are also reported to be monitoring Sidwell's situation but it is understood that Hodgson has made the first move with an initial bid to O'Neill's side.