Albion in Sidwell tug-of-war

The Seagulls have made a counter offer to their on-loan Arsenal midfielder after he had talks with Stoke chief Tony Pulis on Wednesday about a long-term move to the Britannia Stadium.

Albion boss Steve Coppell revealed last night: "Stoke confirmed their interest earlier in the week and we have responded to that interest.

"We have tried to come to an agreement ourselves which Arsenal will find satisfactory.

"I've been led to believe by Liam Brady (Arsenal's head of youth development) that, although Siddy had talks with Stoke, as yet their offer still has not been accepted.

"We certainly don't want to lose him to one of our rivals, so we have made a counter-offer and we are waiting to see how the situation develops."

The Argus exclusively revealed 11 days ago Stoke's interest in Sidwell and Coppell's fears about losing the free-scoring youngster.

Reading also want him after winning a battle with Albion to sign Brighton-born defender Steve Brown from Charlton.

Sidwell may, however, decide to keep his options open and complete his loan spell with Albion to the end of the season, when his contract with Arsenal runs out.

Pulis said: "He's the type of player for the present and particularly the future we are trying to attract.

"It was important to get him to come here to speak to us, because a player can't help but be impressed when he sees the set-up we have at Stoke.

"My only worry is our League position. If we were mid-table we would stand more chance of attracting players."

Meanwhile, Sidwell returns to Highfield Road tomorrow, hoping to continue the scoring streak which has lifted Albion's fight for First Division survival.

The Arsenal midfielder, provider of the Seagulls' last three goals, has already demonstrated his prowess at the home of play-off candidates Coventry.

"I played there in the final of the FA Youth Cup as a first year YTS with Arsenal and I scored," Sidwell revealed. "It was a two-legged final and I scored in the second leg at Highbury as well.

"We will take goals from anywhere, even if Kerry Mayo gets on the scoresheet! Coventry are a great team with great players, so it's going to be hard, but we're confident."

Sidwell will not be confronting his close friend and former Gunner Jay Bothroyd, as Coventry's young hotshot is suspended.

There are still some familiar faces in the Coventry ranks and he is relishing a duel against the Sky Blues' influential player-manager Gary McAllister.

Sidwell, on target five times in 11 outings for Albion, said: "A couple of the lads up there, Gary McSheffrey and Craig Pead, have played with me for England under 20's, so it will be nice to see them.

"As for McAllister, these are the games you really want to shine in. When you come up against players who have been in the Premiership and played in Europe that is where you test yourself and find out if you really are a player."

Albion boss Steve Coppell said: "Gary is a terrific player still, maybe not as mobile as he used to be, but he can still pull the strings in the middle of the field.

"He's added a few bright youngsters to the squad and it's an interesting balance now of young and old. They see themselves I'm sure as very much part of the promotion picture, so we will be tested to the full.

"In the centre of defence is Richard Shaw, who I have know for many years from Palace. He organises the back four and that unit has been very frugal, so we will have to earn everything we get."

Simon Rodger is still injured and his recent deputy Charlie Oatway suspended, so John Piercy could make his first start under Coppell on the left of midfield.

Paul Kitson is struggling for a place on the bench due to a rib injury sustained on his comeback in the reserves at East Preston on Monday, but Dean Blackwell is likely to be among the substitutes.

More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk