The First 90 Minutes.com

As the end of the transfer window draws near, all Leeds fans are crossing their fingers in the hope that League 1’s top talent stays at Elland Road. There are rumours that Leeds have already rejected offers from Newcastle and Fulham for dynamic midfielder, Fabian Delph and Manchester United, Sunderland and Arsenal are all thought to be interested.

The question on most people lips is: Is he worth it?

Born in Bradford on 21 November 1989, Delph started his career in football as a youngster at Bradford City whom he later left to join Leeds United. In March 2008, Delph started his international career, making his debut as a substitute for the England Under-19s.

After a string of impressive performances in spring 2007, Delph was made captain of the Leeds Reserves team. He was given his first team debut during the final match of the 2006–07 season against Derby County when he made a late substitute appearance. Rewarded with his first professional contract on 11th January 2008, the midfielder made two appearances for Leeds in the 2007–08 season, both as a substitute.

After impressing in pre-season, Delph made his first League Cup start in Leeds' 5–2 win away at Chester City in the first round on 13 August 2008. Having gained more first-team experience, on 5 September 2008, Delph signed a new four year contract at Leeds. He celebrated his new contract by scoring his first senior goal the following day as Leeds defeated Crewe Alexandra 5–2. Delph has since cemented his place in the team by scoring twice, both "superb goals" from long range, against Walsall during a 3–0 win.

Considered to be the heartbeat of Leeds, Delph's form has attracted the attention of Premier League managers, with Arsenal's Arsene Wenger reported to be lining up a £6m bid for the midfielder and Newcastle United having a bid rejected by Leeds chairman Ken Bates. His performances also prompted Stuart Pearce to give Delph his first call-up to the England under-21 squad in November 2008 generating more exposure to Premiership scouts. During the January 2009 transfer window, Leeds rejected another two bids from Premier League sides for Delph, with Bates saying: "We explained to both clubs that we don't deal in petty cash." The following day he scored a "goal of genuine quality" against Brighton & Hove Albion by finding the top corner of the goal with a curling shot following a long run. Manager Simon Grayson said: "If he scores goals like that, his value is going to go up. It certainly won’t go down." Roy Hodgson was at Brighton that day to see Delph and would certainly have been impressed. It is thought that Hodgson sees Delph as the ideal player to replace Jimmy Bullard after his £5million transfer to Hull. Also seen as a replacement for Paul Scholes at Man United, Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a £10million offer for Delph.

So Leeds fans will count down the time to February, while Fulham, Man United, Sunderland will be checking their accounts to see if they can afford to sign what could be the next big thing, in English football. Watch out for the name Fabian Delph.