Sidwell signs for Chelsea
Tuesday, 22 May 2007 22:53
Sidwell will join the Blues' ranks in time for pre-season training
Chelsea have confirmed they are to sign midfielder Steve Sidwell from
Reading.
The 24-year-old, who was also strongly linked to
West Ham United and
Manchester United, will join the Stamford Bridge outfit on July 1st.
His deal at the Madejski Stadium expires at the end of next month, so he will complete the switch on a Bosman free transfer once he is out of contract.
Reading manager Steve Coppell had already conceded that he would lose Sidwell at the end of the season, despite the central midfielder being one of the promoted club's most consistent and impressive performers in their debut season in the top flight.
"We have to say he'll probably go, given the fact he's playing so well," the Reading boss said earlier this season.
"Other clubs are going to be looking at him and realistically he'll probably move on. We still hope to keep him… but I've said all year that it's an exciting time for him and lots of other clubs would love to have him."
Sidwell has made 187 appearances for the Royals since joining in January 2002, scoring 30 times.