‘He will give me different options’ – Patrick Vieira on what Will Hughes will add to Crystal Palace side

Patrick Vieira has detailed his plans for Will Hughes, with the midfielder set to sign for the Crystal Palace and bolster the Frenchman’s options in the centre of the pitch.

The 26-year-old underwent his medical today and is poised to join the Eagles for a fee that could rise to £10million with add-ons.

Hughes will become Vieira’s sixth summer signing, joining Michael Olise, Remi Matthews, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Conor Gallagher at Selhurst Park.

“He’s really good on the ball,” said Vieira when asked what Hughes will bring to his side. “He has that technical ability to play quicker going forward. His first thought is always bringing the ball to the strikers. These are really good tools to have when you’re a midfielder.”

Hughes has made 118 appearances for Watford, playing an instrumental role in helping the Hornets gain promotion to the Premier League last season. However, with contract negotiations between Hughes and Watford failing to materialise this summer, Palace have swooped in to prise the midfielder away from Vicarage Road, who would have been allowed to leave on a free transfer next season.

Vieira added: “He has got really good strength. His work ethic is really good on the field. That will give me different options and I am really pleased to have him in the squad.”

Although Hughes has not signed in time to feature tomorrow at the London Stadium, Vieira is “looking forward” to working with the former England U21 international during the break.

“We’re looking forward to working with him in the international break so he can be ready and start meeting his team-mates for the next game.”

The Eagles are also looking to strengthen Vieira’s options in the forward positions, with Arsenal’s Lewisham-born Eddie Nketiah emerging as a candidate to join Palace before Tuesday’s deadline.