Villa reject Delaney approach

Aston Villa have rejected a bid from Barclaycard Premiership rivals Fulham for Mark Delaney.

New Cottagers boss Chris Coleman was keen to make his former Welsh international colleague part of his plans for next season.

But a spokesman for Villa told the club’s official website, www.avfc.co.uk: “We can confirm that Fulham did make a bid for Mark Delaney, but that offer was rejected out of hand.”

Delaney, added: “I’m very happy at Villa. I’ve got three years left on my contract and have a lot to prove to the new manager, and to myself, after last year.

“I lost so much of last season through injury and am simply looking to get myself into the Villa first team and play a full season. I’m fit now and can’t wait for the new season.”