The Catalan giants could rival the Reds for Hughes’ signature…
Not only do Liverpool have to fight off competition from Manchester United and Arsenal for Derby County’s Will Hughes, but they also now face interest from La Liga giants Barcelona, reports the Express.
Brendan Rodgers’ club have already had an £8m bid rejected, and Barcelona could now come in and pay the required £15m fee.
The ultra-talented midfielder is a Liverpool fan, and has apparently set his heart on a move to the Anfield club.
Hughes will therefore reject a move to Arsenal or Manchester United in order to sign for Rodgers’ team, who will be happy to loan Hughes straight back to Derby. With Barcelona interested though, Hughes may well be tempted to join the Spanish club and develop alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
Liverpool sent scout Dave Fallows to check out the youngster earlier in the season during England Under-21s’ demolition of Scotland Under-21s last week, and he was mightily impressed with what he saw of the elegant midfielder.
Hughes has already racked up over 50 first-team appearances with the Championship club, and has quickly established himself as a regular starter. His first-touch is outstanding, and the teenager can play intricate through-balls. Hughes fits the attributes that Rodgers likes in a midfielder, as he is capable of playing quick passes in a slick, dynamic footballing side.
With club captain Steven Gerrard 33-years-old, Rodgers could be looking at the Derby wonderkid is a long-term replacement, and a £6m bid is imminent.
The Reds sold Jonjo Shelvey this summer to Swansea, so perhaps have room for another talented young midfielder in the squad.
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