Aston Villa had concerns over a late rush for Leeds United teen Fabian Delph after having a £8 million offer accepted yesterday.

The Daily Mail says Delph was heading for Villa Park in an £8million deal after Martin O'Neill received assurances that other clubs would not be allowed to hijack his second major signing of the summer.

Aston Villa manager O'Neill was bracing himself for last-minute counter bids from Tottenham, Everton and Manchester City after it emerged a down-payment of £4m might be enough to secure Leeds' England Under-19 midfielder.

His fears of an auction appeared well-founded, until Leeds set his mind at rest with a statement declaring they would not be listening to other offers.

In a novel stance that went against the usual practice of seeking the best possible price, Coca-Cola League One side Leeds issued a statement that said: "We can confirm a fee has been agreed with Aston Villa for Fabian Delph and wish to place on record our appreciation for the honourable manner in which they have conducted their interest in the player.

"Leeds United have resisted approaches from other Premier League clubs since agreeing terms with Villa. Having given Villa our commitment to transfer the player (subject to a medical), we had no intention of going back on that."