The new Leeds head coach is understood to be keen to sign the former Reading and Aston Villa plater, who could be on the move after the 32-year-old made just five Premier League starts and 12 league appearances in total for the Potters last season.
After signing a two-year deal with Stoke last summer, Sidwell is currently behind Glenn Whelan, Steven NZonzi and Charlie Adam in the Stoke pecking order and the Whites are understood to be one of several clubs eyeing his signature.
Sidwell, who would add some much need experience to a young Leeds squad, has already indicated his frustration at a lack of game time last term, despite having only joined Stoke last summer.
Leeds have already been linked with QPR midfielder Joey Barton this summer, but the Liverpudlian's wage demands are believed to have made United look elsewhere.