Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Steve Sidwell, the Chelsea midfielder, subject to the player passing a medical.

The former Reading midfielder is expected to complete the move to the Midlands club this week, and the development appears to open up the likelihood of Gareth Barry leaving Villa Park for Liverpool.

The England international's proposed move to Anfield has stalled as the clubs struggle to agree a fee, but the news that Villa have now agreed a move for Sidwell appears to signal Barry will now leave the club.

"Aston Villa have agreed to sign Chelsea's former England Under-21 midfielder Steve Sidwell, subject to a medical," a club statement read.

Martin O’Neill now looks ready to accept Liverpool’s £15 million offer for Barry now that Steve Finnan has been offered in a part-exchange deal. The former Celtic manager will then pursue a number of other potential targets with Paul Robinson, James Milner and David Bentley all thought to be on O'Neill's list.

He is aware of the need to bolster what was the smallest squad in the Premier League last season having already lost the services of Olof Mellberg, Patrik Berger and Thomas Sorensen.

Villa head to Switzerland on a two-match tour today, with Barry left at home after being banned from pre-season training in the wake of a critical interview in a Sunday newspaper.