The protracted transfers of Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell have at last been agreed, with both players awaiting medicals with their respective new employers before being officially unveiled.

Crouch will join Portsmouth for a fee somewhere around £10million in a move that will see the striker back at Fratton Park for a second spell. There is no doubt of Crouch’s improvement as a player during his time away and a starting position alongside Jermain Defoe sounds particularly promising.

Harry Redknapp is allegedly interested in taking Shaun Wright Phillips from Chelsea and that would be a formidable partnership if it happens. Bear in mind that these three players are England internationals with something to prove to Fabio Capello, it could be good for the England team too.

Sidwell has languished in the reserves at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise that he had agreed terms with Aston Villa almost as soon as the transfer window opened. I can’t understand why it has taken so long for them both to finalise the agreement, other than maybe finance.

Martin O’Neil has come to terms with losing midfield general Gareth Barry to Liverpool and is believed to be pondering the next move from Anfield. O’Neill has said that Villa will not accept less than £18million for Barry, but would be happy to knock a million off if Steve Finan moves to Villa.

Sidwell will do more than make up the numbers at Villa and has the ability to follow in Barry’s shoes, given the backing from O Neill. He excelled at Reading and I expect he will at Villa where he is bound to get regular football and will feel much more comfortable away from the intimidating surroundings of Stamford Bridge.

Alexander Hleb is also reported to have agreed terms with Barcelona and he too is waiting to undergo a medical at his new club. No fee as been reported and ominously no confirmation as yet from Arsenal.

AC Milan have insisted that Arsenal are prepared to discuss the transfer of Adebayor, and thay have a letter from Arsenal confirming it. The clubs are however miles apart on a valuation for the striker, with Arsenal wanting £36million.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has also stated that they will sign one or the other of Adebayor or Ronaldinho, but not both.