According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace are close to finalising a deal to sign Will Hughes from Watford, beating Newcastle to his signature.
What’s the story?
Well, a difficult summer for Hughes is about to have a happy ending.
The 26-year-old has been refusing to sign a new contract at Vicarage Road, with his current terms set to expire in June 2022.
Hughes rejected a £60,000-a-week deal in favour of pursuing a new challenge, which he seems to have found at Crystal Palace.
Patrick Vieira’s side have agreed a £6m fee, potentially rising to £10m in add-ons.
Hughes will now discuss personal terms with the south Londoners, ahead of a medical in SE25.
Crystal Palace beat Newcastle to Will Hughes
According to The Sun, Newcastle were in talks with Watford over a deal for the £30,000-a-week midfielder earlier this summer.
However, those discussions were all for nothing as Hughes gets set for a move to south London.
It’s a bit of a blow for Steve Bruce, as the former Derby man is an excellent midfielder with plenty of experience, but one who also has time to improve at just 26 years of age.
Hughes has racked up 77 Premier League appearances, with England boss Gareth Southgate calling him a ‘fantastic‘ player back in 2014.
Vieira is keen to create a side comfortable on the ball. In the early stages of the season, Cheikhou Kouyate has visibly struggled to do that after being moved back into midfield once again.
In that respect, this is a necessary signing, and for a great price too.
Dougie Freedman, take a bow.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
