According to the Telegraph, Derby County’s Will Hughes is close to completing an £8m move to Watford.
Hughes looks set to leave the Pride Park Stadium for a chance in the Premier League with Watford, where he will link-up with the highly regarded Marco Silva.
Since breaking onto the scene in 2011, Hughes has been linked with numerous top-flight clubs, but remained loyal to Derby in the Sky Bet Championship.
However, despite Hughes signing a new contract with Derby earlier this year, Gary Rowett is prepared to let the 22-year old leave the Rams this summer for a substantial fee, to help raise funds for his own transfers.
Hughes’ signature is expected to cost an initial £8m, but that fee could rise over £10m with add-ons in the coming years.
Rowett is preparing for his first full season in-charge of Derby, and is looking to reshape his squad ahead of a potential push for promotion in the Championship next season.
An overhaul of the Rams’ squad is expected, with Rowett even willing to let high-profile players leave Pride Park.
Hughes is one of those high-profile players set to move away from Derby, whilst Rowett may also consider letting last season’s top goalscorer, Tom Ince, leave in the coming months.
Derby have rejected a £7.2m bid for Ince from Premier League new boys, Huddersfield Town.
Derby fans… Are you disappointed to see Hughes is close to leaving your club? Let us know your thoughts!