Grayson took over at Elland Road in December

Leeds manager Simon Grayson says Fabian Delph and Jermaine Beckford will play a key role in pre-season preparations despite being targets for other clubs.

"They're both under contract and are my players," Grayson said.

"I'm planning on them being here at the start of the season so I have to make sure they are part of the team plans and that will continue to be the case."

United revealed last week they had rejected two bids from Premier League clubs for 19-year-old midfielder Delph.

Delph is thought to be a target for both Aston Villa and Everton, while Beckford's agent Nick Ruberry has confirmed to BBC Radio Leeds that two Championship clubs had enquired about the striker, United's top scorer last season.

Until somebody meets the valuation of the players then they'll be our players, and that's all you can expect to happen over the next few weeks Leeds manager Simon Grayson

But Grayson says, despite the uncertainty surrounding the pair, he must continue planning as normal. Both players featured in United's 3-3 pre-season draw at York City on Sunday and will be part of the 23-man squad touring Ireland.

"I'm planning on them being here on 8 August," he said. "They've got to be focused on what they need to do with us."

United are braced for improved offers, for Delph in particular, but Grayson says he will play an integral role in deciding whether the players stay or go - not just chairman Ken Bates.

"It'll be done as a group decision, not from the chairman or just by myself. It'll be [chief executive] Shaun [Harvey] as well.

"Until somebody meets the valuation of the players then they'll be our players, and that's all you can expect to happen over the next few weeks."

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