And Allardyce matched Chelsea's offer and the player had to make a straight choice between the Toon and the Blues ... and we al know where he went.But he only played a bit-part at Stamford Bridge last season, and now Sidwell says he is waiting to meet Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari before deciding whether to complete a £5.5m move to Aston Villa.
Sidwell's agent Eric Walters revealed that a transfer fee for the 25-year-old has been informally agreed by the two clubs and the midfielder believes a move to Villa Park would be good for his career.
But ... has Kevin Keegan ever had the player on his wish-list ... because I tend to think the media hacks are digging up old stories.