Phillips lifts the lid on Hughes after Athletic’s Aston Villa transfer report
Kevin Phillips claims Will Hughes would be a useful addition to the Aston Villa ranks if he is signed this summer.
The Sunderland icon, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insists the 26-year-old has proved himself at Watford.
As reported by the Athletic’s Adam Leventhal (June 10th), Villa are one of several Premier League sides keeping tabs on Hughes.
The midfielder is heading into the final year of his Watford contract.
It is said talks are underway over a five-year deal but that the Hornets could sell up if terms cannot be agreed.
Hughes made 30 Championship appearances last season as Watford secured promotion back to the Premier League.
Phillips coached Hughes when the pair were at Derby together and he claims a move to Villa would be great for the player.
“He could be a good addition,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“Will is a very technical player. When I worked with him at Derby, I always felt he had to play in the right position, sitting in midfield.
“He’s shown he can do that at Watford. He’s got a lot of work to do coming back into the Premier League.
“That could be one that goes under the radar a little bit but he could a great signing.”
Hughes moved to Vicarage Road in 2017 after six years with Derby County.
To date, he has made 118 appearances for the Hornets in all competitions.
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