City are keeping an interested eye on Fabian Delph’s progress at Leeds.

Midfielder Delph has been winning rave reviews since Gary McAllister gave him a regular chance in the senior side.

The 18-year-old has impressed so much, he recently signed a new four-year deal tying him down to Elland Road until 2012.

Delph has come a long way since September 2001 when he left home-town club City aged 11 to join the Leeds Academy.

But City’s ties with Delph remain in the shape of a potential six-figure reward in terms of add-ons from the original deal. And should the teenager eventually move on, the Bantams will benefit from a sell-on clause, which is understood to be fairly lucrative.

It’s the same scenario with the likes of Andre Wisdom, who was snapped up as a 14-year-old last season by Liverpool, and goalkeeper Sam Filler, when he joined Middlesbrough.

In each case, City will receive a future windfall should the youngsters go on and make the grade at first-team level.

With midfielder Wisdom, the figure for appearing in Liverpool’s senior side could be a very significant amount.

Some may accuse City of failing to hang on to their young talent, particularly as their record of bringing locally-produced players through has not been great over recent times.

But often the club are powerless to stand in their way when a Premier League side come calling. Remember Leeds were still in the top flight when Delph made the switch in 2001.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn stressed that City therefore cover their backs by ensuring add-ons and transfer clauses are inserted.

He said: “It’s not us looking to sell these players but the lads themselves. Kids have got the choice and we can’t hold them back if they want to join one of these big clubs.

“We just make sure that the deal is done so that hopefully we can benefit should they go on and progress their careers.”

Delph came on as a late substitute in the JP Trophy derby clash at Elland Road. But he shot to attention with a spectacular 25-yard goal in Leeds’ 5-2 home win against Crewe.

McAllister said: “He has a big armoury and is someone we rate highly. There’s been a lot of high-profile interest which has been kept quiet.”

Delph said: “I owe everything to this club. It’s where I learnt my trade and where I’ve grown up.”