Steve Sidwell’s agent today admitted Villa and Chelsea have reached an “informal agreement” for the midfielder – but first he wants showdown talks with new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The clubs have settled on a £5.5m fee, but the 25-year-old, who only arrived on a free transfer from Reading last summer, is keen to discuss his future with the Blues’ new boss before making a final decision on his future.

“I understand Chelsea have not formally agreed yet, but there has been some sort of informal agreement,” said Sidwell’s agent Eric Walters.

“Steve feels Villa are a very, very good club and would offer a very good future for him, but he has also again insisted that he is no rush to leave Chelsea.

“There is a new manager coming in and he would at least like to meet with him over the next couple of weeks to discuss his future in person.”

Sidwell still has three years remaining on his current deal £50,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, so would be entitled to a pay-off from his current employers – and Walters revealed that is another matter which still needs to be resolved.

He added: “There is also compensation. Steve has three years left of his contract and is entitled to some compensation if Chelsea agree to part with him.

“He has reiterated he would be happy to stay at the club and fight for his place, but they are now suggesting they want him to go and that is the club’s behest.”