Sidwell joined Reading in 2003 but is out of contract this summer

Sidwell, 24, is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with several Premiership sides including Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

"I anticipate that he won't be here next year," said Coppell. "This is an exciting time for him and I'm sure a lot of clubs would love to sign him.

"He will almost definitely move on in the summer."

Sidwell has been an influential force for Reading this season as the club has consolidated their position in the Premiership.

He wants to get to the very top of the tree and you can't fault that Steve Coppell

However, Sidwell, a former Arsenal trainee, rejected a new deal in July 2006 and now seems likely to be lured by a switch to a Premiership rival.

Coppell first signed Sidwell on loan when he was in charge of Brentford in 2001 and signed him on a permanent basis at Reading two years later.

Coppell told Sky Sports: "We understand that but we don't necessarily like this law of the jungle."

The Reading boss also has his doubts about whether Sidwell would be prepared to fit into a larger squad where selection is done on rotation.

"Steve is a battler and thrives on the physical challenge of playing every week," he added.

"I'm not sure whether he would be comfortable playing for a team that rotates their players.