A statement from Leeds United has confirmed their rebuff for transfers for Fabian Delph and Jermaine Beckford.

The statement on the club's official website read, "Leeds United can confirm that we have received offers direct from two Premier League clubs for Fabian Delph.

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 also been rejected."

Aston Villa were thought close to making a bid for Delph with Villa manager Martin O'Neill identifying the England Under-21 player as one of the brightest young players outside of the Barclays Premier League.

Delph, a left-sided player, has been linked previously with possible moves to Arsenal and Newcastle.

He began his career as a youngster at Bradford before moving to Leeds in 2001 and last September signed a new four-year contract.

Delph played for England Under-19s and made his Under-21 debut as a substitute against the Czech republic last November.

And earlier in the week prolific striker Beckford's agent said of his player, It wouldn't be true to say Newcastle have missed out on Jermaine because of what is going on there," Rubery told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"There has been interest from other clubs, and I would anticipate something happening soon, maybe in the next couple of weeks when the transfer market begins to start hotting up.

"I just hope it's done soon, we'll miss him, Leeds want to sell him and its his agent's job is to get him a move now.

"But it is certainly true Newcastle is still a seriously attractive option for Jermaine."

Meanwhile Leeds have confirmed that academy starlet Luke Garbutt has left the club to join Premier League side Everton.

The 16-year-old left-back has been linked repeatedly with a move to Goodison Park in recent weeks and in a club statement Leeds said, "Leeds United made the player an exceptional offer to join the club initially as a scholar and then as a professional player."

"We're disappointed the player chose to join Everton. Leeds are entitled to compensation."