Young English talent is certainly the most sought after in football at present. With Chelsea and Arsenal supposedly keen on Southampton youngster Luke Shaw, mega-rich Manchester City have opted to focus their efforts on Derby County youngster Will Hughes.
The 17-year-old has made an instantaneous impact on Rams fans this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions, despite his young age. As such, teams up and down the country have shown a keen interest in the midfielder as they look to snap up the latest, greatest talent England has to offer.
City now appear to be in the driving seat for Hughes after reports suggest assistant manager David Platt made a personal check on the Derby starlet during their Championship encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion over the weekend.
If that’s the case, then chances are the former Arsenal midfielder would’ve delivered a glowing report back to manager Roberto Mancini. Having recently picked up the Football League Young Player of the Month and Derby County Scholar of the Year, the future is certainly bright for Hughes, who continues to turn heads amongst the Premiership elite.
If City have indeed secured his signature ahead of their league rivals for the youngster, then it will be an impressive coup for the club and goes to showcase the potential that Hughes has at such a young age.