Fabian Delph joins Manchester City after dramatic U-turn over Aston Villa future

Manchester City have completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph, the club have confirmed.

Less than a week after insisting he would remain at Villa Park to captain the club in the 2015-16 season, the England international has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

He becomes City's second signing of the week following Raheem Sterling's club record arrival from Liverpool.

Last Friday (10 July), it was widely reported that Delph, 25, was in talks with Manuel Pellegrini's side over an £8m ($13m) move to the Etihad Stadium.

The former Leeds United midfielder appeared to bring an end to speculation over his future with a strongly worded statement released via Villa's official website.

"I'm aware there has been intense media speculation surrounding my future in the last 24 hours and I want to set the record straight," Delph said.

"I'm not leaving. I'm staying at the football club and I can't wait for the start of the season and captaining this great football club."

But just six days on from that statement, he is a Manchester City player.

"Fabian Delph is an excellent player, and I am looking forward to working with him," Pellegrini said via City's website.

"He has made a huge impact in recent seasons at Aston Villa, and is now one of the brightest young midfielders in the Premier League.

"Fabian has tremendous skill and energy, and the fact that he has become a regular member of the England squad is further evidence of his progress over the past few seasons. At just 25 years old, he still has his best years ahead of him."