Gossip: Whites reportedly battling to sign Sidwell – and Mail say Ramires sale is close

A round-up of the latest transfer speculation involving the area’s clubs…

Fulham are battling with Brighton for the signing of Steve Sidwell, The Argus reports.

The midfielder, who has played for both Championship clubs, is surplus to requirements at Stoke and is expected to move during this month’s transfer window.

Sidwell, 33, watched Brighton’s 2-1 win against Huddersfield on Saturday and the Seagulls are reportedly keen to snap him up.

Chelsea are close to selling Ramires, the Daily Mail say.

A number of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain, are said to be keen to sign the Brazilian midfielder.

Ramires, 28, signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge only four months ago.

It is nevertheless claimed that Chelsea are willing to offload him in order to fund new signings.

Meanwhile, Bertrand Traore has told Chelsea he would rather return to France on loan than join Everton, according to reports in France, where Marseille are being tipped to sign him.

Reports in Italy say Chelsea have made an approach to Paris St-Germain over a potential deal to sign their 31-year-old centre-back Thiago Silva this summer.

And there continues to be speculation in the Spanish media over the future of Pedro, who has been linked with a return to Barcelona.

Some reports in his native country claim he is set for an early exit, while others suggest he is happy at Chelsea and will stay.