Aston Villa have agreed to sign Steve Sidwell from Chelsea for £5.5 million (€6.9 million).
Sidwell made only seven Premier League starts following his move from Reading last year and new Blues manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has deemed the midfielder surplus to requirements.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been keen to sign Sidwell for several months.
The 25-year-old would be a ready-made replacement for Gareth Barry if the England midfielder gets his wish to join Liverpool.
Sidwell played a major part in Reading establishing themselves in the Barclays Premier League two seasons ago before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The former Arsenal trainee, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City, had limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho and then Avram Grant as Chelsea narrowly missed out on Premier League and Champions League glory.
