Derby County boss Nigel Clough is ready to withdraw Will Hughes from the frontline.

The 17-year-old midfielder has been watched by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

But Rams boss Clough admits the groin injury Hughes picked up against Wolves last month was probably caused by burnout - and the player needs a rest. Clough said: "We have to be careful with Will.

"He's already played 30-odd games and he's physically not fully developed. He could have played 30 games this season but to play them over six months puts too much strain on his body.

"It's just the stresses and strains of playing all these games at 17.

"We certainly won't be rushing him back or risking him at all."