Everton target Nigel Reo-Coker may make way as Aston Villa hunt Fabian Delph

Jul 10 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

Bates turned down two approaches for Delph from unnamed clubs in January and it would seemingly take an offer in excess of the £6 million quoted for the ex-Chelsea chairman to change his mind.

Delph carried off four awards last season – his club’s Young Player, Players’ Player and Goal of the Season for his remarkable solo effort against Brighton when he ran from his own penalty area.

He also scooped the Football League’s Young Player of the Year nomination.

He is well known to Craig Gardner, Gabby Agbonlahor and James Milner having made his breakthrough in November with Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21s.

Although he signed a four-year deal at Elland Road in September, speculation linking him with a move to the top flight has continued with Leeds denying in June that Everton had made a bid.

Villa’s pursuit of Delph comes at a time when sources close to Tottenham are suggesting that Harry Redknapp is preparing a £5 million bid for John Carew.

The striker has two years on his contract but Spurs are keen to partner him with Jermain Defoe.

Villa are not looking to sell but a lot will depend on the player’s desire to stay.

Meanwhile, Villa’s interest in Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has been put on the back burner for now.

But former skipper and Boro manager Gareth Southgate has warned against clubs waiting until January to try to sign him.

Southgate confirmed yesterday that the 24-year-old England international has been told he can step up his recovery after foot surgery. However, he is unlikely to play until the winter.

Southgate said: “He won’t be fit for the start of the season, but it depends whether clubs want to take him now.

‘‘Come January, there might be four or five other clubs involved. That’s for other clubs to decide. We will just focus on getting him fit as quickly as we can. He is progressing very well.”