O'Neill ups stakes in bid for Sidwell as Boro and Everton get ready to pounce

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O'Neill is hoping to agree a fee with Chelsea - probably in the region of £5million - and then start holding talks with the former Reading player.

The 25-year-old is one of O'Neill's main summer targets but Villa insisted reports last week that a deal had already been sorted out with the Blues were premature.

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Wanted: Sidwell tops Martin O'Neill's list

Sidwell is also understood to be attracting interest from Middlesbrough and Everton but Villa sources are confident they can land the player - if a fee and personal terms are thrashed out.

His capture would ease some of the pain for O'Neill should skipper Gareth Barry move to Liverpool.

The former Celtic boss would prefer to sign Sidwell sooner rather than later to integrate him into the squad before Villa start their Intertoto Cup campaign in less than a month.

It would be O'Neill's first signing of what is expected to be a hectic summer in the transfer market for the Irishman.

He knows his current squad needs strengthening if Villa are to attempt to challenge for the next level - the top four - after finishing sixth in the Barclays Premier League last season.

And he has already seen Olof Mellberg, Thomas Sorensen and Patrik Berger leave and Scott Carson return after a loan spell to Liverpool - with Barry likely to follow through the exit door once a fee is agreed with The Reds.

O'Neill is holding out for around £18million after rejecting three bids from Rafael Benitez.

O'Neill also has to find one or maybe two new keepers as he only has Stuart Taylor on Villa's books at present.

He has again been linked with a move for Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc and Paul Robinson.

And USA keeper Brad Guzan has said he is keen to join Villa after the failure to obtain a work permit scuppered the deal in January.