Latest Transfer U-Turn: Fabian Delph Rejects Manchester City

Fabian Delph has announced that he is staying at Aston Villa despite widespread reports that he was on the verge of joining Manchester City.

City were interested in the England international and were tipped to complete an £8 million move for him, but the 25-year-old, who signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Villa in January, says he is staying put.

“I’m aware there has been intense media speculation surrounding my future in the last 24 hours and I want to set the record straight,” he said on the club’s official website.

“I’m not leaving. I’m staying at the football club and I can’t wait for the start of the season and captaining this great football club.”

Delph’s decision should represent a major boost to Villa manager Tim Sherwood, who appointed the midfielder captain.