Monday 26 January 2015 12:10, UK
Fabian Delph has ended speculation about his future and signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with Aston Villa.
The midfielder, who made his England debut in September last year, had been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham with the suggestion Villa may look to sell in January rather than lose Delph for nothing when his previous contract was due to expire at the end of this season.
However the 25-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at Villa Park until the summer of 2019, much to the delight of Paul Lambert who feared he would lose the midfielder.
“When you get someone like Fabian - who might have had the possibility of going elsewhere to pastures new - to have him commit is a massive, massive coup for us," said Lambert.
"No-one expected it. I think everyone thought Fabian was going to go and we would have to get someone else in.
“I don't think anyone saw this coming.
"But it's been something we've been trying to do, as I have always said.
"It's great for Aston Villa. It's great for Fabian. I think this is a massive, massive step.”
Delph, who joined the club in 2009 from Leeds United and was named Villa player of the season last year, revealed his delight at extending his stay.
"The club has given me a great platform to perform and a great opportunity to showcase what I can do," he said.
"The fans have been great with me, the chairman has been absolutely fantastic with me and I have a great relationship with the manager and I see the boys here as my brothers, my family and I am delighted to stay here.
"I feel like this is me - I love the club, I love being here and I want to put 100% into everything I do here.
“This is my club and I want to be here. That's why I am committing my future.
"There was no way I was going to bail out. I am here for the long run.”
