Liverpool and other Premier League clubs have reportedly been put on alert as long-term target Will Hughes has rejected a contract extension at Derby County FC
Daily Mirror report that Premier League clubs have been alerted to the potential availability of Derby County starlet Will Hughes. The midfielder has rejected a contract extension at Derby County, something which has alerted the Merseyside duo of Liverpool and Everton, who have been linked with a move for the youngster in the past.
Will Hughes is a 21-year-old midfielder who has played his entire senior career up until now at Derby County. The player has racked a massive 143 league appearances, all in the Championship, England’s second division and has firmly established himself as one of the best young talents of the nation.
The Surrey-born player has represented England up to the Under-21 level with 19 appearances for the Three Lions, and has been tipped to be a member of England senior team in the future. Hughes has featured in 16 of Derby’s 17 Championship games up until now and has really been a leader at the middle of the park for the Rams, despite his nascent age.
Will’s current deal at Derby County is set to expire in 2018 and with less than 2 years left on his contract, there have been talks of a contract extension. However, as per recent reports, the 21-year-old has refused to agree to a contract extension at Derby County with the player unsatisfied with the terms of the offer.
According to the report, Will Hughes has been unimpressed by the improved wages being offered, which is less than what the top earners receive at the club, with the likes of Bradley Johnson receiving around £30,000 per-week. Hughes is willing to negotiate for better terms and is even ready to run down the contract to its last stages.
The player is currently valued at £15m by the club authorities, a figure that would be reduced with the player’s contract entering the final years of his deal. Liverpool and Everton both boast of a midfield full of home-grown or British products and would love to add the box-to-box talent to their roster.
Everton, however, could be able to provide Will Hughes with more playing time than Liverpool, which could give them the edge in the transfer battle. However, the player seems to be willing to agree a contract extension at Derby County itself, despite the club’s recent struggles, if the club tables a better offer.
One thing is certain, a player of Will Hughes’ talent is destined for Premier League football and it is not likely to be long before the 21-year-old makes his way in to the top-flight, whether as a part of the Derby squad or otherwise.
