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Leeds United: No bids received for star pair
Leeds United have yet to receive a firm bid for any of their professional players, despite the uncertainty over Jermaine Beckford's future and unfounded rumours that Everton have made their move for Fabian Delph.
United rejected a claim made yesterday that Everton were set to win the race to sign Delph after agreeing a 4million fee for the midfielder, describing the rumour as inaccurate "speculation".
The Merseyside club are one of several teams who followed Delph's impressive progress in League One last season, but while interest in his signature was an inevitable consequence of United's failure to win promotion to the Championship, Leeds are not actively seeking offers for the 19-year-old.
United tied Delph to a four-year contract last year, soon after his sudden emergence as a regular first-team player, and the club's board have stated on several occasions that their solid financial position has left them under no pressure to part company with Delph before the start of next season.
Everton's scouting staff are understood to have watched Delph repeatedly during the closing stages of the 2008-09 term but suggestions that the Premier League side have finalised a deal to sign him have been dismissed by Leeds.
In a statement, chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "Despite the speculation, there have been no offers for Fab since the end of the season. At this stage of the year speculation is always rife, although it's never helpful."
Leeds chairman Ken Bates revealed during the January transfer window that he had received two enquiries about Delph, and Fulham are another club who have been closely monitoring the midfielder.
Newcastle United have previously expressed an interest in Delph but the Tyneside club's relegation from the Premier League would almost certainly rule them out of the running in any battle to sign him.
Although Leeds would be forced to listen to a major offer for the England Under-21 international – the Football League's young player of the year – their plans for the close season do not include auctioning Delph.
United, meanwhile, are insisting on a fixed price for Beckford, who has turned down a new three-year contract at Elland Road and may move on this summer with his existing deal about to enter its final 12 months.
Several clubs are keen on recruiting the prolific striker, including Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Coventry City, but United have not received an official offer for Beckford since transfer-listing him last month.
The 25-year-old will only leave Leeds if the club receive their asking price – believed to be in excess of 1million – and United are prepared to risk losing him on a free transfer next summer should an acceptable bid fail to arrive.
Despite the speculation surrounding Delph and Beckford, and confirmation from League Two side Grimsby Town that they hope to sign United's out-of-favour midfielder Peter Sweeney, it is understood than Leeds have not received an offer for any of their senior squad members.
Leeds manager Simon Grayson does not see Sweeney as part of his future plans at Elland Road, and the former Stoke City and Millwall player, who finished this season on loan at Grimsby, was hoping to clarify his future this week.
Sweeney has a year remaining on his contract with Leeds.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
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