Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants Derby County midfield marvel Will Hughes - to groom him as the next Steven Gerrard, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.

Rodgers is hot on the trail of the young Ram who has been starring in the Championship and attracting big interest, headed by Manchester City and Arsenal.

Derby want at least £7 million for home-grown Hughes but could be open to a sale and loan back deal with one of the big clubs.

Rodgers's spies have been homing in on Hughes and could strike a deal with Nigel Clough's side shortly, but they are also happy to leave him at Pride Park to play.

Landing Hughes - one of the most wanted young English players around - would be a huge statement.

Gerrard has ruled Liverpool's midfield for over a decade but Rodgers will have to find his long-term successor and Hughes's displays suggest he could be the man.

Pale-faced, blond-haired Hughes has dazzled with his skills, backed by football intelligence that marks him out ahead of his peers.

Derby chief Clough knows Hughes is destined for the top and a sale would help him build up his squad - but ideally keep the youngster for another season. 

Source: Daily Mirror