Watford’s Will Hughes told not to join Aston Villa after attracting interest | OneFootball

Aston Villa have been linked (The Athletic) with a move for Will Hughes whose contract is up in 12 months, so his future at Watford is uncertain. The Hornets are in talks to extend his deal beyond 2022, but Hughes is leaving negotiations to his agent.

He said he’s open to staying on but did note that he’ll give his all until his contract is up, so might the 26-year-old be hinting at an eventual exit? Nevertheless, Hughes has been told to reject all interest by teammate Ben Foster who hopes he stays at Vicarage Road.

The 38-year-old was filming for his YouTube channel The Cycling GK and said to Hughes: “Don’t go (to) Villa, Will. Do not go (to) Villa. Stay here.” Foster’s comments were tongue in cheek, but Hughes is considering all his options.

The central midfielder joined Watford from Derby Country in 2017 and has gone on to make 118 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals with 10 assists. Hughes was a regular for the Hornets when fit last season and played his part in them earning promotion back to the Premier League.

But whether he sticks it out in Watford’s first season back remains to be seen. Villa finished 11th in the league last campaign and have strengthened well in the transfer market already, so they’ll be a sure bet for survival and a strong top-half push. Might be difficult for Hughes to resist their charm if an offer is on the table.

Stats from Transfermarkt.