Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has denied reports he has made a bid for Will Hughes and says the midfielder should remain at Derby County for the time being.

Recent reports have claimed the Reds have won the race to sign the precocious England U21 international, beating off competition from Manchester United and Arsenal in the process.

However, Rodgers insists such speculation is wide of the mark and believes the player's development would be best served by remaining at Pride Park.

He said: "I never say anything normally, but I feel for this guy. [He's] very talented but no-one's doing him any favours by linking him to us.

"I read something had been agreed but [there is] nothing further from the truth, Hughes is a good player but there's been no bid or anything. He's at the best place he could be."

Hughes, 18, made his debut for Derby back in 2011 and has become a key figure for the East Midlands side over the last two seasons.

Source: talkSPORT