Delph has committed himself to Leeds until the summer of 2012 in a move that reiterates the club's intention to keep their most talented prospects.

The England Under-19 international has taken his first serious steps into United's first-team squad this season, and the announcement of an extended deal comes amid talk of growing interest from Premier League clubs in 17-year-old Delph.

His senior debut, on the final weekend of the 2006-07 season, came a day after his 16th birthday and his recent progress has been so impressive that Leeds made the offer of a four-year deal just nine months after handing Delph his first professional contract.

A two-and-a-half year agreement was negotiated in January at a time when Delph, pictured, was largely involved with United's reserves, but he is one of several younger players who have been promoted to the first-team squad permanently by Gary McAllister.

Delph said: "I'm absolutely delighted. This is the club I want to play for and as soon as I was offered the contract I signed. I owe everything to this club. It's where I learnt my trade and it's where I've grown up."

Delph's first senior game, on May 6, 2007, came under Dennis Wise during a Championship match at Derby County, but it is under McAllister that the midfielder has flourished.

He made his first appearance this season in last month's Carling Cup tie at Chester and was elevated to McAllister's starting line-up for last week's 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers.

Newcastle United are one of the top-flight clubs linked with Delph in recent weeks, but confirmation of his new deal will help Leeds repel attempts to lure the midfielder away.

McAllister said: "There's been a lot of high-profile interest which has been kept quiet. There have been some big clubs asking about his availability, but this has sent out a message.

"The club is moving forward and we recognise producing our own is one way to do that. Fabian is a fantastic product of the academy.

"The message to the young players here is 'if you're good enough you'll progress into the first team'."