The Manchester City Project

Mark Hughes has expressed his interest in Fabian Delph and Leeds are willing to sell according to Leeds manager Simon Grayson.

Hughes said after the 1-1 draw with Barnsley: “We have an interest in the situation, he is a young player who has been brought to our attention. I'm not sure where we are up to with that because obviously I have been busy with today's game."

Delph has attracted interest from a number of clubs, Leeds have already turned down bids from Aston Villa and Everton this summer, with Tottenham Hostspur monitoring the situation. However Grayson has said that at the right price Delph would leave the club, leaving Manchester City in pole position to land the £10 million midfielder:

"We've had two bids from Premier League clubs over two weeks ago that we turned down. They were nowhere near the target of the realistic aim that we are looking to receive, but I know that could change at any time. That's football for you. As long as he's contracted to us he'll show and perform like he has done all over pre-season, but obviously we're aware anything could happen as well."

The 19 year-old impressed in his first full season at Leeds United last season. The Leeds United Academy product is an excellent ball winner in midfield, has pace, good ball control and can find the net. He was included in the 2008/2009 PFA League One Team of the Year and won the FourFourTwo Young player of the year. He was also named PFA League One Player of the Month for November, and won three awards at Leeds United including Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.



During the 2008/09 season Fabian made 42 league appearances, scoring 6 goals and picking up 12 yellow cards. There has been much interest in the talented England U21 player, Delph said of last season:

"Having made a couple of appearances last season, I was looking to get a few more games under my belt, but to have been involved since August has been a massive bonus for me.

"I've got a lot to thank our former manager Gary McAllister for. I caught his eye playing in the reserves.

"It's flattering to be linked with Premier League clubs but all I'm focused on at the moment is doing well for Leeds and learning my trade. Other youngsters have left Elland Road early on and have disappeared off the scene."