Derby County midfielder Will Hughes is reportedly a summer target for both Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Derby’s Will Hughes
It is hard to believe that Will Hughes is still just 22. It is perhaps even more remarkable that the gifted midfielder remains at Derby County.
In an age where young players are shunted to the top of the gossip column as soon as they display even a modicum of talent, in an age where Real Madrid are paying 45 million euros for a 16-year-old, it is a credit to Hughes that his commitment to the Rams has not wavered yet.
However, if, or when, the England youth international does eventually outgrow Pride Park, Derby supporters would surely forgive their fans’ favourite for being enticed by the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United or Everton, just three of the Premier League giants who have been linked with Hughes in recent years.
Although it would not go down particularly well if he finally bid farewell to the club he joined as a schoolboy six years ago to put pen to paper at Brighton or Watford.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Yet, according to the Sunday People, the Premier League duo are both attempting to lure the play-maker away from Pride Park this summer.
However, Hughes has resisted temptation to move to the top flight previously, believing he was better suited continuing his development away from the limelight at Derby.
Yet, the Weybridge-born midfielder would surely benefit from joining a stable Premier League club if he does indeed make the move this summer.
Watford, who finished seventeenth last season, and newly promoted Brighton may not represent the logical next step for a player who looks destined for a long career at the top level.
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