Reports linking Watford with a move for Derby County and England Under-21 international Will Hughes are broadly accurate, the Watford Observer understands.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage, according to a report in the Telegraph, and the clubs are expected to reach an agreement "in the next few days".

Hughes has been one of Derby’s star players since making his debut as a 16-year-old and he has made 187 appearances in all competitions for the Rams, scoring 12 times. His form has reportedly seen him scouted by both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent years.

Sources close to Derby have told us the Rams are trying to offload players this summer to raise funds to bring in new additions to the squad, with Hughes being one of the players who would command a considerable fee.

They added that they wouldn’t rule out Hughes leaving the club this summer, as the player wants to play in the Premier League and the Rams may feel it is time to cash in.

Hughes is currently away on international duty for England Under-21s, who are managed by former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd, and the midfielder was an unused substitute for the Three Lions against Slovakia on Monday night in the European Championships.