Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in Derby County midfielder Will Hughes ahead of the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has been linked with the Merseyside outfit before, but it is understood that Premier League champions Manchester United are also keen on snapping up the youngster.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is believed to be planning to ask the club's hierarchy for funds to clinch Hughes's signature in the winter window, according to the Daily Mail.

Derby are said to be considering a price tag of £15m, but reports have claimed that Liverpool will try to bring down the cost to under £10m.