Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has reportedly launched a late bid to hijack Aston Villa's move for out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.Martin O'Neill appeared to have fought off a number of Premier League rivals in the race to land Sidwell this summer but the ongoing Gareth Barry saga has held the transfer up.

Liverpool have so far refused to meet Villa's asking price for the England midfielder but are thought to be ready to offer Steve Finnan as part of the deal. That could see O'Neill finally accept and push on with his move for Sidwell, but Newcastle are waiting in the wings.

The Magpies were close to signing the midfielder from Reading last summer but Glenn Roeder's departure saw the deal collapse and Sidwell joined Chelsea. He made just 15 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season, though, and is set to move on for regular first-team action.

Newcastle have made an enquiry about the 25-year-old, according to the Evening Chronicle, but his £45,000 a week salary could be a stumbling block and he could yet end up staying in west London.

His agent Eric Walters said: "He is in 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.

"He is entitled to some compensation if Chelsea agree to part with him."

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