Report: Newcastle and Villa both make club aware that they want to sign 26-year-old

By John Verrall

Newcastle United and Aston Villa have both made Watford aware of their interest in signing Will Hughes, the Watford Observer suggest.

Hughes has just one year left on his contract at Watford, with Newcastle and Villa now seemingly sensing a bargain.

They have both told the Hornets that they are admirers of the central midfielder, which could make Watford’s bid to tie him down to a new deal more complicated.

Villa move?

At Villa it seems unlikely that Hughes would arrive as a regular starter.

Dean Smith’s side already have the likes of Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson and John McGinn who can play in central midfield, while they appear to be prepared to invest this summer.

Villa have also been linked with James Ward-Prowse as they look to add further competition in midfield.

What about Newcastle

At Newcastle Hughes would also likely be seen as a rotational option, but he may have more of a chance of breaking into Steve Bruce’s line-up.

Hughes would compete with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and the Longstaff brothers for a spot in Newcastle’s team.

But with Joe Willock’s loan expiring there may be a gap in the Magpies’ squad to fill.