Gardner welcomes Sidwell

Villa ace excited at potential summer signings

By James Pearson   Last updated: 19th June 2008

Steve Sidwell Chelsea

Sidwell: Gardner praise

He's a top class player. Chelsea don't buy amateur players.

Gardner on Sidwell
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Craig Gardner is delighted Aston Villa have agreed a deal to bring in Steve Sidwell from Chelsea.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill moved a step closer to signing for former Reading man on Wednesday after agreeing a £5.5million fee for his services.

Although Sidwell's dream move to Chelsea last summer failed to bring about the playing time or success he enjoyed with the Royals, Gardner knows the 25-year-old remains a class act.

Despite a relatively low-key 2007/08 campaign for Sidwell, Gardner is delighted Villa are on course to add him to their squad for next term.

Excellent player

"He's an excellent player. I can't wait if he comes," he told Sky Sports News.

"I can't wait to play alongside him. It would be a great signing. I can't wait to see him down here.

"He's got everything. He's got a good engine, he can tackle and pass. He's a box-to-box player and that's what Villa want.

"He's a top class player. Chelsea don't buy amateur players. What more can they (the fans) ask for?"

Villa have been linked with a host of names this summer, including Blackburn's David Bentley and Gardner believes the former Arsenal winger would also make a fine addition to O'Neill's squad.

Great signing

"Bentley's an England international. If he comes it would be another great signing," he continued.

"O'Neill's bringing in top class players and that's what we need."

One player tipped for the Villa Park exit door is England international Gareth Barry, who has been strongly linked with Liverpool.

However, Gardner is hopeful the star will stay, as when asked if he will be at Villa Park next term the 21-year-old replied: "I think he will."