Will Hughes (Derby County)
One of the most highly-rated youngsters in England at the moment, Derby County midfielder Will Hughes has emerged as a top target for Liverpool in recent months, with the Reds strongly linked with a big-money move for the 18-year-old towards the end of the summer transfer window. A move never materialised, however, and Liverpool will now be made to wait until January to try again for this exciting prospect, though it is understood that he is still on Brendan Rodgers’ shopping list.
With great vision and technique, Hughes has been compared with Barcelona pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta in his influential midfield displays, and it sounds like he would fit in perfectly into Rodgers’ plans for technical and attack-minded football at Anfield. Already high in demand, Hughes could cost as much as £15m despite his youth and inexperience at the top level, but he certainly looks a player who would be worth the risk.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle are all keen on Hughes as well, though Liverpool’s recent attempts to step up their interest in him should make them favourites to win the race for him this January, and he looks a target well worth pursuing.