Last Updated: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:34
Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell could land a new contract amid reports he's a summer transfer target for Fulham boss Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson is keen to strengthen his squad and is looking to bring down the average age of his midfield, with veterans Danny Murphy and Simon Davies above or approaching 30.
The 26-year-old ex-Arsenal and Reading midfielder only joined Villa from Chelsea a year ago in a £5 million deal, but struggled to make an impact on the first team and made the majority of his 16 appearances in the cup competitions.
However, the departure of Gareth Barry greatly enhances Sidwell's first-team prospects and with two years left on his Villa contract, reports of Fulham's interest could enhance his chances of landing a new longer-term contract from Martin O'Neill - on improved terms.