Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is stepping up his chase for Derby's midfield magician Will Hughes.

Rodgers sent chief scout Dave Fallows to watch the England Under-21 international who is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard.

Hughes 18 limped out of Tuesday night's Championship draw at Bolton with a hip injury but had already shown his class with an assist for a goal.

The Anfield giants have been tracking Hughes for some time but will not take the plunge until the time and price are right.

Hughes was also checked out by a two-man delegation from Everton but Liverpool are favourites to land him - possibly in the January window