Sidwell in no rush to leave

Villa may face fight for Sidwell

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 7th July 2008

Sidwell in no rush to leave

Sidwell: Seeking Scolari talks

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Steve Sidwell's agent has revealed that the midfielder is in no hurry to leave Chelsea, with a second club reportedly set to challenge Aston Villa for his signature.

Villa are interested in the 25-year-old and agreed a £5.5million deal with the Blues last month.

The Midlands club have not been able to complete the transfer with most of Martin O'Neill's attention directed towards the ongoing Gareth Barry saga.

O'Neill is expected to push on for Sidwell if Barry eventually joins Liverpool, but in the meantime it seems another club has joined the hunt.

According to reports in the North East, it is Newcastle who are the latest suitors and agent Eric Walters admits Sidwell is staying open-minded about his future.

Despite being starved of opportunities at Chelsea last season, Sidwell is waiting to discover whether he figures in the plans of new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"He is in no rush to leave Chelsea," Walters told the Evening Chronicle.

"There is a new manager coming in and he would at least like to meet with him over the next couple of weeks to discuss his future in person.

"He is entitled to some compensation if Chelsea agree to part with him."