Villa beat competition for Leeds star

Aston Villa are closing in on the signature of Leeds teenager Fabian Delph after the clubs agreed a fee.

The Premier League side confirmed this evening they have reached an agreement for the transfer of the talented England U-21 midfielder.

A statement from Villa confirmed they had been given permission to talk to Delph, while Leeds revealed other top-flight clubs have had bids rejected.

Leeds confirmed the news on their website, and said: “Leeds United wishes 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.”

Bradford-born Delph, 19, made his England U-21 debut last year – his only cap at that level to date – and was Leeds’ Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year last season.