Liverpool appear to be the favourites to land exciting Derby County youngster Will Hughes, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The 19-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents currently playing outside of the Premier League, and has been linked with big clubs numerous times in the past. Derby are currently chasing promotion to the top flight, but seem likely to lose Hughes if they fail to go up from the Championship, and although there is likely to be interest from the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton, the player himself is keen to link up with manager Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
The Reds boss has a good track record of handing opportunities to youngsters and improving players such as Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson, leading Hughes to believe a move to Liverpool would be the best next step in his career.
Hughes’ intelligent and technical style of play has previously seen him compared to Barcelona pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and he would certainly fit in well with the style of play deployed by Rodgers at Liverpool.
What I’m hearing is that Hughes is most tempted to join Liverpool above others, an Anfield insider revealed. “We’ll have to see what happens in terms of Derby and promotion, but hopefully the two clubs can agree a deal. Then I think we’d be favourites to get him. “
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