The 24-year-old former England Under-21 international turned down a 25,000 pounds a week four year contract offer from Reading to join the recent FA Cup winners after his contract expires on July 1.

Chelsea beat off offers from champions Manchester United and Newcastle.

Sidwell -- who scored four times in 35 Premiership matches last term -- gained so much interest after a series of eyecatching performances for Reading on their debut in the Premiership where they defied expectations of being relegated to finish eighth, one place outside winning a UEFA Cup spot.