Exclusive: 'Crystal Palace to open Will Hughes talks' after West Ham reveal

Crystal Palace are preparing to open talks with Will Hughes over the offer of a new contract amid growing interest from rival clubs.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Hughes remains a vital part of Oliver Glasner's plans.

The 29-year-old has featured in 21 of Palace's 24 games so far this season, starting 15 of those, and his work rate and experience have proved vital to their performances.

Hughes will be out of contract in July as things stand, but the Eagles are determined to ensure he remains at the club beyond the end of the current season.

This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that West Ham, Fulham and Brentford are closely monitoring the midfielder's contract situation with a move in mind.

Palace also have the option to extend his deal by one year, which became active on 1 January, and are now prepared to trigger the clause to secure his immediate future.

However, they would like to tie him down to a longer-term contract and are expected to hold talks before the closing stages of the season.

Crystal Palace to hold Will Hughes contract talks

Palace have been short of options in midfield so far this season as a result of Adam Wharton's injury issues, while Cheick Doucoure is also returning from an achilles tendon rupture.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience working with players at the top level after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Hughes remains a valuable player to Palace and they are determined not to lose him for free.

"I'm told Palace want to hand him a new contract," he told Football Insider.

"I thought last season that his performances were on the wain, but this year he's really stepped up and brought his game to a consistently impressive level.

"From Palace's point of view, how much money would they have to spend to replace him?

"When you've got a player performing as well as he has been, losing him for free would be a real blow both to the team and financially.

"Hughes has shown during this season where they've had injuries and inconsistencies that he can be relied upon when he's needed.

"That, for me, is a huge asset to have and a big reason why Palace want him to sign a new deal.

"They're going to open talks with him at some stage in the near future to thrash out an agreement.

"I'd expect that to be done before the end of the season because they won't want to leave it too long and risk another club getting in his ear to tempt him away."

In other news, Dundee and Colchester make moves to sign Jadan Raymond.

For more Crystal Palace news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.