Derby County will receive a hefty fee when Will Hughes completes his move to Watford – meaning Hearts winger Jamie Walker may no longer fit the bill.
Derby County’s Will Hughes is finally set to leave
Derby County will have known, in their heart of hearts, that Will Hughes would jump ship eventually.
And, after being linked relentlessly with a move to the Premier League since he burst onto the scene five years ago, the 22-year-old appears set to finally make the step up. The Telegraph claims that Watford are close to sealing an £8 million deal, potentially rising to £10 million with instalments.
The report adds that manager Gary Rowett has reluctantly accepted Hughes’ departure. While he faces a difficult task replacing Derby’s creative hub and prized asset, the club will receive a hefty windfall which Rowett can use to reinvest in an unbalanced squad this summer.
Therefore, The Rams can afford to think big in the transfer market with at least £8 million burning a hole in their back pocket. As a result, they should consider approaching more ambitious targets than Hearts attacker Jamie Walker.
Think bigger
Earlier in the season, the Derby Telegraph claimed that the Championship giants were tracking the 23-year-old and will surely have been impressed as he netted 15 goals from the wing in Hearts colours last season.
That is more than any player at Derby’s disposal managed in 2016/17.
And Walker could be available on the cheap this summer, the Daily Mail claiming that Hearts will demand £1 million after rejecting an offer of £600,000 from Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers.
Heart of Midlothian’s Jamie Walker
However, although the Edinburgh-born winger has potential by the bucketload and promises to add a much needed goal threat to an often toothless Derby attack, he has spent his entire career in Scotland and has no experience of the English game.
Walker could be an excellent bargain signing but, with Derby needing a player who can replicate Hughes’ influence, they must think bigger. Now, they can afford to.
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