Liverpool is close to securing the signature of hot 18 year-old prospect Will Hughes from Derby County in January, according to sources.

After failed negotiations during the summer, the Rams have reportedly come to terms with the Reds, with the latter willing to pay the £12 million price tag.

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been reported to be parties in interest, but Liverpool, which has scouted Hughes thoroughly, seems to be dead serious, coming up with the most significant offer of the three.

After making a breakthrough for Derby in the 2012/13 season, Hughes has started all 15 games in the Championship for the Rams, tallying 3 goals and 2 assists in the process.

He has also been receiving regular call-ups from the England under-21 squad, with the most recent as a second-half substitute in their 3-0 win against Finland on Thursday.

Hughes, who has been scouted for his ability to create scoring opportunities, could thrive under the Liverpool boss Brendan Rodger's attacking approach.

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