Derby midfielder a target for Prem clubs

Ambitious Derby are ­battling to keep Jeff ­Hendrick out of the ­clutches of Aston Villa and West Brom by offering him a new four-year deal.

Midfield starlet Hendrick, 19, has become a magnet for top-flight big guns ­following his spectacular start to the season.

But Rams boss Nigel Clough is determined to keep him at Pride Park.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has two years left on his contract, has become a regular in Clough’s starting line-up.

Clough said: “We have a policy at this club of ­rewarding young players once we have identified that they are the sort we want around. Jeff has done really well for us.”