Report: Villa target trains with U23s and refuses to sign new contract, after Palace made contact

Add as preferred source on Google

According to The Athletic, Will Hughes has been made to train with Watford’s Under-23 side amid interest from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

Well, the 26-year-old is currently refusing to sign a new contract at Vicarage Road, with only one year remaining on his contract.

Now, the Hornets must decide whether to cash in on their No.19, or hold him against his will for one more season before he leaves on a free.

The Athletic believe Crystal Palace are exploring the possibility of signing Hughes this month – the Eagles have even made contact.

Elsewhere, it was also The Athletic who revealed that Aston Villa are interested in the Weybridge-born maestro.

Hughes made 30 Championship appearances last season as Watford secured promotion, and even captained the Hornets at times.

Will Hughes would be a great signing

It’s not everyday that a classy operator like Hughes becomes available, especially for a cut-price fee.

During his formative years, plenty of fuss was made over the midfielder.

As the BBC wrote, Barcelona were reported to have compiled a document on Hughes when he was a teenager.

More recently, as the Independent show, he was being talked about as someone who could enter Gareth Southgate’s England squad after the 2018 World Cup.

Like Crystal Palace’s James McArthur, he is a player who will give you at least 7/10 every week, but will often remain an unsung hero.

Whoever signs him out of Patrick Vieira or Dean Smith will be getting someone who can certainly make a big impact in midfield.