Newcastle United are reportedly aiming to take advantage of Aston Villa’s impasse in the transfer market as Gareth Barry move is being held up, by entering the race for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Villa have been considered close to signing the former Reading star, but with Barry transfer so far not going through as Liverpool are adamant on not meeting the £18m valuation, meant Martin O’Neill’s plans have suffered an apparent setback.

According to The Chronicle, while the Barry saga has been rumbling on, Newcastle are thought to have been interested in bringing the 25-year-old to Tyneside.

Sidwell, who moved to Stamford Bridge last summer on a free transfer, is expected to leave the Blues in search of regular football, but he had recently claimed that he would first ascertain his future under new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Meanwhile, it is also reported that the Magpies are linked with Reading striker Leroy Lita, who is said to be keen to quit the relegated Royals.