Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for Derby County midfielder Will Hughes.

The Mirror says Rams gaffer Clough is under money pressure from the club's American owners - and is reportedly required to raise a couple of million in the January sales, and get the wage bill slimmed down.

That could put the brakes on any plan to beef-up Hughes's contract and hang onto the youngster.

Arsenal are expected to get in ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City, by making Derby a quick offer when the transfer window cracks open.