Sidwell to make West Ham switch

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is on the verge of a move to Premier League strugglers West Ham.

The news was confirmed by Villa boss Gerard Houllier on Thursday, who revealed that the 28-year-old former Chelsea man has undergone a medical at Upton Park.

Sidwell will be West Ham manager Avram Grant’s first signing in what is expected to be a busy January transfer window for the last-place club, who have won just two of 18 Premier League matches this season.

“Steve is having a medical,” Houllier said. “He’s at the end of his contract (next summer).”

“It’s not a secret that he lives in London. Otherwise I think Wolves would have been interested in signing him.”

Sidwell joined Aston Villa from Chelsea in 2008 and has made 45 appearances for the former European Champions, scoring three goals.

Houllier also revealed he is looking for another goalkeeper, with current custodian Brad Friedel, 39, nearing the end of his career.

“We’re looking for a keeper for the future,” Houllier said. “If Brad is fine in February, then we will keep him.”

“I’ve spoken to him and said, ‘Obviously, you’re 39, so I need to look to the future but I’m perfectly happy with you’ and, if he feels fine, why not? We’ll ask him in February. If he feels all right, we’ll keep him.”

“If he stays, he’ll stay as the first-team keeper.”