THE INSIDER: Newcastle line up Sidwell hijack... AJ at home on Wigan pier... Spurs sweet for Toffees' Bent switch... Plus Mpenza, Harper and Kitson

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(INSIDER'S RATING: 0/5 means this deal's pie in the sky. 5/5 and it's a done deal)

Sidwell

Steve Sidwell, Chelsea to Newcastle - The Insider says: 3/5

After Aston Villa have made all the running to offer the former Reading star a route out of Chelsea, Newcastle are set to launch a hijack manoeuvre. Toon boss Kevin Keegan is mindful of the Joey Barton situation and is eager to strengthen his midfield. Newcastle will match Villa's £5million bid, but will offer Sidwell an almost similar salary package to the one he has enjoyed at Stamford Bridge. United's restructured budget will not allow them to match Sidwell's Chelsea deal - but they can get close. Villa and Everton will simply not be able to compete.

Johnson

Andy Johnson, Everton to Wigan - Insider says: 4/5

Sunderland have made Everton a slightly better financial offer - believed to be £10million - for the striker but Johnson favours a move to Wigan as it means he will not have to move house. The England forward, who is happy in his £1million countryside mansion, is also attracted by Athletic's richer personal terms. Everton will only sell once they are confident of securing his replacement.

Bent

Darren Bent, Tottenham to Everton - Insider says: 3/5

Spurs' valuation is the stumbling block. White Hart Lane officials want to recoup some of their £16.5million outlay on Bent and are looking for a fee in the region of £12m. That price has forced Sunderland to cool their interest. Spurs are keen to use Bent as leverage in their other dealings but Everton are keen to try Bent up front with Yakubu.

Mpenza

Emile Mpenza, to Hull - Insider says: 3/5

The Belgium striker is currently a free agent after being released by Manchester City. Mpenza's agent, however, insists that he has had no contact from the Premier League new boys - Sportsmail understands, though, that the deal is still very much in the pipeline. The 30-year-old would much rather stay in the Premier League with Hull than sign for Championship side Ipswich.

Harper

James Harper, Reading to Middlesbrough - Insider says: 4/5

Boro and Bolton have struck a deal to avoid a bidding war for the midfielder and it will come down to a straight choice between those two clubs for Reading and Harper. The fee will be between £3.5million and £4m and Boro's better wages will swing it for the Teessiders.

Kitson

Dave Kitson, Reading to Fulham - Insider says: 4/5

Birmingham will make Reading a more attractive cash offer than the Cottagers but the striker wants Premier League action and he's keen on a move to Fulham. Sunderland are also big admirers of Kitson and can afford the £3.5million asking price but the Black Cats' gaze has been drawn to Andy Johnson and Everton.