Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for the £10m-rated Derby County midfielder Will Hughes, whom they would leave at the Championship club for the rest of the current season.

The England U21 international, who is 18, has long been regarded as one of the brightest talents in English football. He made his Championship debut for Derby at the age of 16 and was a regular in the side last season, playing 35 league games.

Hughes has been watched extensively over the last six months by Liverpool's chief scout, Barry Hunter.

The teenager's performances have merited the attention of all the leading Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, but it is Liverpool who are prepared to pay the premium price for an English talent and leave him at his current club to develop for another year.

Hughes played for England U21s against Scotland last week and impressed once again. He is part of a small group of English players who the Football Association hopes can be developed in the next cycle of Under-21s to make the step up to senior level within the next four years.

Unlike many young players of his age group, Hughes has extensive first-team experience - albeit it at Championship level. While he will represent a considerable investment, and a risk, Liverpool are aware that the price is only likely to rise over the coming months.

Source: The Independent