Sidwell's Reading exit confirmed

Sidwell refused to sign an improved contract at Reading

Reading boss Steve Coppell has revealed midfielder Steve Sidwell has officially left the club, but refused to say which side he has agreed to join.

Sidwell, who has been strongly linked with Chelsea, is out of contract at the Madejski Stadium having spent over four years with the Royals.

And the 24-year-old will now leave the club after rejecting an improved deal.

"Steve has gone. I know exactly where he has gone to but I'm not allowed to say," said Coppell.

Interview: Reading boss Steve Coppell

Newcastle and Everton have also been linked with the combative midfielder, but it is thought Chelsea now lead the race for his signature amid rumours he has undergone a medical at Stamford Bridge.

It is obvious that we need a couple of players, two or three players Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

Speaking after Chelsea's final-day draw with Everton, Blues boss Jose Mourinho refused to comment on Sidwell's future, saying: "I don't think it is the time to talk about it.

"It is obvious that we need a couple of players, two or three players. That's the nature of a team like us which is trying to improve.

"We need a central defender, a midfield player to make the group stronger, especially a group that will lose Jon Obi Mikel and Michael Essien at the same time for the African Cup, and we need a striker."