Rodgers to Beat Arsenal and Chelsea to £6m English Midfielder - Report

Liverpool have won the race to sign highly rated Derby County midfielder Will Hughes after missing out on signing Brazilian winger Willian

Hughes emerged through Derby's youth system into the first team in 2011 and has since been attracted interest from the Premier League's top teams, including the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

And after Liverpool sent scouts to watch the 18 year old in action for England's Under 21 side against Scotland last week, Metro is reporting that manager Brendan Rodgers is willing to submit a bid worth £6m to beat his rivals to the youngster's signature.

Derby manager Nigel Clough revealed over the weekend that Hughes is for sale if the right offer comes along, telling reporters: "There is interest but at the moment nothing is happening with Will.

"But at the end of the transfer window anything can happen."

Liverpool have made it clear since Brendan Rodgers' appointment that long-term success at the club is as important as bringing in players who can have an immediate impact on the first team.

While Hughes would likely not be handed a regular place in the first team, he would certainly be more likely to be given a chance to play for Liverpool's senior side than many of England's top clubs who have been monitoring the young star of late.

The Reds have already signed five senior players this summer, and Rodgers is well aware that in order to continue building a club that can challenge for honours consistently, there must be top players coming through the youth system as well as establishing themselves in the first team.

And with that in mind, Rodgers is reportedly keen to land Hughes and will put in an official bid in the next few days.