Reds told to up bid for Hughes

Derby County manager Nigel Clough has told Liverpool that they will need to pay more than £6m if they want to sign midfielder Will Hughes, the Metro understands.

Clough has also confirmed that the East Midlands club have so far received no offers for the England under 21 star, who he believes is worth far more than the figure previously quoted.

Meanwhile, the Reds have rejected an offer in the region of £10m from Napoli for defender Martin Skrtel, according to the Mirror.

Rafael Benitiez, who took Skrtel to Anfield in 2008 is keen to be reunited with the Slovakia international though Brendan Rodgers is reluctant to let him leave, not least due to fellow centre back Sebastian Coates yesterday being ruled out for up to six months.

Elsewhere, Arsene Wenger appears to have finally admitted defeat in his pursuit of Luis Suarez, the Guardian understands.

The Arsenal manager has seen two bids for the Uruguay international rejected out of hand by the Reds, and will not return with a third offer after turning his attention elsewhere.

The 26 year old is half way through a ten game suspension he received for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in April.