Fabian Delph: Aston Villa captain to stay at Premier League club

Fabian Delph
Fabian Delph has won six caps for England

Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph says he is staying at the club, following reports the midfielder was set to join Manchester City.

The England international has released a statement to "set the record straight" over his future.

"I'm not leaving," said Delph, 25, who signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Villa in January.

"I'm staying at the football club and I can't wait for the start of the Premier League season."

It had been widely reported on Friday that Delph, who joined Villa from Leeds in 2009, would have a medical with City at the weekend.

His future looked uncertain when Micah Richards, who moved from City to Villa this summer, said Delph had asked for his thoughts about joining the club.

And Delph did not travel with the Villa squad for their pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Aston Villa
Aston Villa tweeted a picture earlier on Friday that included Fabian Delph modelling the club's new kit

Delph made his England debut against Norway at the beginning of last season.

He helped Villa retain their Premier League status last term, making 28 league appearances, and also played a key role in their run to the FA Cup final, where they lost 4-0 to Arsenal.

On Friday Villa announced the signing of Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye. and in May they signed midfielder Scott Sinclair, 26, from Manchester City.

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