United also confirmed they had turned down approaches from unnamed clubs for transfer-listed striker Jermaine Beckford in a whirlwind day of activity behind the scenes at the club.

United rejected bids from two top-flight clubs – one of them Aston Villa – yesterday for teen sensation Delph.

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But Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who Whites chief Simon Grayson worked under for a spell during his time as a player at Leicester City, is unlikely to be deterred by the snub.

A host of other leading clubs have been linked with the England Under-21 midfielder, most notably Everton, along with Fulham, Sunderland, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Delph enjoyed a breakthrough 2008-09 campaign and his stellar form saw him named the Football League's young player of the year.

The 19-year-old, rated one of the country's brightest prospects, was also named in the PFA League One team of the year and scooped United's player's player of the year, young player of the year and goal of the season accolades.

On rebuffing the offers for Delph, who signed a four-year deal last September, a club statement said: "Leeds United can confirm that we have received offers direct from two Premier League clubs. The offers have been rejected.

"It is not the club's usual policy to comment on speculation. However, in these circumstances, we felt it appropriate to clarify the situation.

"Approaches have also been made in respect of Jermaine Beckford, which have been rejected."

Villa are desperate to bolster their ranks after the departure of senior players Martin Laursen and England midfielder Gareth Barry.

And the Midlanders have earmarked Delph to supplement their engine room with the youngster also offering valuable cover on the left for Ashley Young.

Beckford was put on the transfer list in late May after the free-scoring 25-year-old turned down a new deal.

Those in the hunt for his services include Sheffield United, Coventry, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

The Blades have money to spend after their coffers were boosted by a big compensation cheque following the Carlos Tevez affair, while the Sky Blues have a competitive transfer kitty following the big-money sale of Scott Dann to Birmingham City.

Newcastle remain an attractive option with Beckford's agent, Nick Rubery, insisting this week that the player hasn't been put off by the ongoing takeover saga at St James' Park.