Liverpool are ready to firm-up their interest in long term target Will Hughes according to the BBC.

The 19-year-old midfielder is now into his fourth season in the Derby County first team set-up and is a regular in Steve McClaren's starting eleven with the Rams mounting a genuine push for promotion to the Premier League.

Though Hughes only signed a new long term deal with Derby County over the summer it appears that Brendan Rodger is still keen to land the England U21 international who has been dubbed the 'New Steven Gerrard'.

Derby County currently sit in third spot in the Championship table, just three points off top of the table Bournemouth, and Hughes has been key to their run of good form.

Liverpool have developed a strong relationship with Derby County in recent seasons, loaning out the likes of Jordan Ibe and Andre Wisdom, and this may well help Rodgers' cause.

The Anfield side would do well to stump up the cash needed to persuade Derby County to sell Hughes and could perhaps offer the midfielder back on loan for the remainder of their promotion push.

Source: CaughtOffside.com