Villa complete transfer of Leeds starlet Delph

Fallen English football giants Leeds United lost another of their promising players when England Under-21 international Fabian Delph signed for English Premier League side Aston Villa on Tuesday.

While no fee was disclosed it is believed that Leeds will receive up to eight million pounds for the 19-year-old midfielder, who earlier Tuesday agreed terms and passed a medical with Villa.

The Birmingham side also boast another of Leeds’ former stars, James Milner, although he came via Newcastle United.

Villa, who have become a rising force under the astute management of Martin O’Neill, were the preferred option for both the player and the selling club ahead of bigspending Manchester City and last season’s FA Cup finalists Everton.

A Leeds statement said: “Leeds United wish to place on record our appreciation for the honourable manner in which Aston Villa have conducted their interest in the player.

“The club has resisted approaches from other FA Premier League clubs since agreeing terms with Aston Villa.

“Having given Villa our commitment to transfer the player (subject to a medical), we had no intention of going back.”

Delph signed a new four-year deal with Leeds in September last year, while continuing to attract interest from Premier League clubs.

After starring for Leeds throughout the season, Delph’s exit looked all but certain when Leeds failed for the second successive campaign to make it through the play-offs into the Championship.