West Ham set to sign Villa cast-off

Steve Sidwell could be on his way to West Ham after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the London club.

The former Reading player has failed to command a first team place since he moved to Villa Park from Chelsea in 2008 and owner Randy Lerner is thought to be keen to reduce the wage bill, with Sidwell among the biggest earners.

Manager Houllier is determined to make his own impressions on the Villa squad and knows that he must sell before he can buy.

West Ham boss Avram Grant, who is desperate to save his job, is trying to rush the deal though and it is thought that Sidwell has already passed a medical at Upton Park.

Sidwell has seen a notable lack of first team football since leaving the Madejski Stadium, so a move to the Hammers could revitalise his career.

The arrival of Sidwell will add to the specualtion linking Scott Parker with a move to Tottenham, though both West Ham and Spurs deny that a move is likely.