Watford have completed the signing of Derby midfielder Will Hughes on a five-year contract.
The England U21 international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool among those to have been credited with holding an interest in the past.
No deal has been put in place, though, and the product of Derby’s academy system has gone on to take in six seasons as a member of the Rams’ senior ranks.
He will now get the opportunity to test himself in the English top-flight, with Watford having secured his signature for an undisclosed fee.
OFFICIAL: #watfordfc is delighted to confirm the signing of England Under-21 midfielder Will Hughes from Derby County on a five-year deal. pic.twitter.com/KmGrqsOxjE
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) June 24, 2017
A statement on the club’s official website read: “Hughes’ experience belies his tender years, with nearly 190 Rams’ appearances racked up by the central midfielder – who is still just 22 years of age.
“Currently representing his country at the European Under-21 Championships in Poland, the six-footer has scored twice in 17 games for the 21s having previously made England Under-17 appearances.
“Hughes will link up with Marco Silva’s squad subject to completion of medical tests on his return to the UK.”