Maybe Hughes won't fly with the Eagles.

By Nathan Jackson
June 8 2007

Jeff Hughes looks set to remain at SIncil Bank after John's Deehan and Schofield revealed that they haven't recieved an offer for the midfielder from anybody, including Crystal Palace. Hughes is one of several City stars heavily linked with a big-money move away from Sincil Bank, but the latest mutterings in the Echo suggest that Hughes will still be here next season.

Hughes had a disappointing 2006/7 which saw him draw criticism from all section of the Imps' crowd for a lack of commitment when it came to winning the ball. This mood wasn't enhanced as his lacklusture performances suddenly went away as soon as the TV cameras came to the playoffs and all of a sudden he was playing to his true potential. Hence the term "TV-ITIS" a disease where the cameras cause an allergic reaction and make the player actually play well.

Despite a relatively disappointing season, Hughes was still linked to Coventry and Crystal Palace and many national newspapers were convinced City were going to get a fee of around £500,000 for the Northern Irish defender/midfielder.

"In a way it's fantastic, Jeff has not handed in a transfer request and I know nothing of a bid for him. But the fact he's been linked with a club like that shows we're doing something right. I'm not surprised people are talking about him because he is a fantastic player. He's a sought after player because he can play anywhere down the left. He played a massive part for us last season and I expect he will again next season."

On his day, Hughes does have the potential to be the best player in this division and the news that he is likely to stay is likely to be well greeted as City fans will hope he will be able to repeat his last two performances in a City shirt.

However, the Johns have yet to confirm of deny strong rumours that City have agreed to sell Lee Frecklington to Walsall.