Fulham are confident of winning the race for Leeds United superkid Fabian Delph.

The News of the World says Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson made a personal check on the 19-year-old midfielder last week and immediately moved in.

Bradford-born Delph has also attracted attention from Arsenal, Bolton and Newcastle.

Stubborn Leeds chairman Ken Bates wants the youngster to mastermind his club's push for promotion to the Championship and has resisted all offers so far.

But Londoners Fulham believe a deal that would allow Delph to remain on loan at Elland Road until the end of the season could swing it.