Delph desires move after turning down new contract offer

Aston Villa’s Fabian Delph has reportedly told his employers that he has no intention of signing a new contract in the summer, with Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham said to be circling for his signature. The West Midlands club are 3/1 with Coral to be relegated this season, and have encountered a a patchy spell of late.

Delph, 24, former Leeds United player made his England debut earlier in the season and was impressive as the Three Lions beat Switzerland and San Marino.

Although he is currently injured, due to a shoulder problem, Delph should be fit in time for any interested parties to make a bid for him in January. The tabloids claim Vila chairman Randy Lerner has offered the player £50k per week, though he has reportedly turned it down, indicating that he is ready for another challenge at new club.

Liverpool have apparently registered an interest, though this season, they appear to lack a clear identity and manager Brendan Rodgers cannot seem to decide what he best XI is. A move to the red half of the city could be appealing for Delph, who would link up with England colleagues, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert, while also getting the opportunity to learn from Steven Gerrard.

Everton could well make a move, but may feel they cannot compete in a bidding war. Any move there will depend on whether the player actually wants to go.

Tottenham meanwhile, also appear to be experiencing identity issues, in yet another season of transition under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. It is clear that Delph doesn’t want to go somewhere just to sit on the bench, and Spurs, 13/10 for a top six finish this term, have a plethora of options in central midfield, including Paulinho, Mousa Dembele, Benjamin Stambouli, Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb.

Based on that, Everton, 6/4 to finish in the top six, are probably the one place he would most likely be guaranteed a start, and could be a long term replacement for veteran Gareth Barry.