Delph deal may help appease unhappy Leeds fans

The 20-year-old is due at Thorp Arch after agreement was reached between United and Aston Villa over a move that could see the midfielder remain at Elland Road until the end of the season.

Delph’s return, albeit on a temporary basis, will be a welcome boost for the Yorkshire club after a difficult week that has seen a £2m bid “reluctantly” accepted from Norwich City for Jonny Howson.

The Leeds captain, who would have left on a free transfer in the summer when his contract runs out, was last night believed to be in Norfolk undergoing a medical and thrashing out personal terms.

His imminent departure has incensed United fans, who feel more should have been done to keep hold of a player who came through the club’s Academy system.

Whether that anger, which has seen calls on fan messageboards for a future boycott of games, will be eased by the loan capture of Delph remains to be seen.

But the return of a midfield player who made 54 appearances for Leeds before joining Villa in a deal that has so far been worth just short of £8m can only boost Simon Grayson’s team ahead of tomorrow’s home encounter with Ipswich Town.

Providing there are no last-minute hitches today, Delph seems certain to start as United look to end a damaging run of just one win in six league outings.

One potential signing who will not be facing the Tractor Boys, however, is Robbie Rogers, who despite being granted a work permit is not expected to complete his switch to Elland Road until next week.

The reason for the delay is the 24-year-old USA international now needs to receive international clearance and be granted a visa.

United insist neither will be a problem but the paperwork will mean the signing cannot go through until next week.

Rogers is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew following more than 100 games in a four-year stay.

The 24-year-old will sign an initial 18-month contract at Elland Road with the club retaining the option of extending the deal by an extra year.

Manager Grayson has already gone on record to say he expects Rogers to make an immediate impact.