Fabian Delph snubs Manchester City for Aston Villa

Fabian Delph last night joined John Terry in turning his back on moneybags Manchester City.

The Leeds wonder-kid snubbed Mark Hughes to make a £6million switch to Aston Villa.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill triumphed in the race for England's most wanted teenager, despite City's huge financial advantage.

O'Neill finally persuaded Leeds owner Ken Bates to cash-in on the midfielder after months spent chasing the England Under-21 international.

And Bates is delighted Delph is moving to Villa Park after expressing his discontent at the way City flaunted their cash in a bid to sign the 19-year-old.

A club statement said: "Leeds United wishes to place on record our appreciation for the honourable manner in which Aston Villa have conducted their interest in the player.

"The club has rejected approaches from other FA Premier League clubs since agreeing terms with Aston Villa."

O'Neill had a £4.75m offer turned down last month, when Everton were also knocked back, but O'Neill refused to concede defeat.

Delph is expected at Villa today to discuss personal terms and have a medical to take O'Neill's spending to almost £20m this summer and follow in the footsteps of £12m winger Stewart Downing.