Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph sets record straight: ‘I’m not leaving’ despite Manchester City interest

Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has ruled out a move to Manchester City and insisted he will stay with Tim Sherwood’s side.

Delph did not fly out with the rest of the Villa squad for their training camp in Portugal on Thursday amid strong speculation that he was poised for an £8 million (Dh46m) move to Etihad Stadium.

But Delph yesterday released a statement via Villa’s website to dismiss the story.

“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,” Delph said. “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 was on Manuel Pellegrini’s radar as City are keen to boost their home-grown quota following the loss of James Milner to Liverpool and Frank Lampard to New York City.

Delph signed a new Villa contract this year as his previous deal was set to expire this summer, but it had been reported that City would meet a release clause in that contract.

His recommitment to Villa will be a major boost to Sherwood, who has signed two players from City – Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards – as well as midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Lille this summer.

City are also reported to be monitoring the situation with Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, who was back at training on Friday after a two-day absence with illness, and has been named in Liverpool’s squad for a tour to Thailand, which leaves today.

They have had two bids rejected, the last an offer of £40m, and have yet to meet Liverpool’s £50m valuation but this week’s developments with the England international will have offered City some encouragement if they want to try to negotiate an agreement.

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