Fulham have completed the signing of the Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell. The 28-year-old joins the Premier League club for an undisclosed fee on an initial six-month deal, which could potentially see him stay until the summer of 2014.

Sidwell said: "I'm delighted my move to Fulham has been finalised and I'm looking forward to training with the squad and helping the club make steady progress up the table in the second half of the season."

He added: "I'd also like to thank Jez Moxey [chief executive of Wolverhampton Wanderers], and Mick McCarthy [the Wolves manager] for being so understanding in my desire to return to London and to play for Fulham."

Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager, said: "His intention was that he always wanted to come to Fulham – this was his first choice and we are delighted to have him on board. He is a young man who wants to get his career back on track and start playing football again. He has a good reputation in the game and is well admired.

"On the pitch he can get from box to box, he works tirelessly, is good on the ball and can also get you a goal. He wants to be part of what we are doing here – and because of that he will do well for us."

The midfielder, who was born in Wandsworth, started his career at Arsenal, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2000 and 2001 before joining Reading in 2003.

He spent four seasons at the Majedski Stadium, making 186 appearances and playing a role in Reading's 2005-06 Championship-winning side and promotion to the Premier League. Sidwell started the 2007-08 season at Chelsea before signing for Aston Villa in 2008.