The 17-year-old midfielder set up Derby's opening goal for Conor Sammon and was impressive throughout as the hosts added further scores from Jake Buxton and Ben Davies to secure an eighth successive win over Leeds.
Clough acknowledged that a host of clubs will now be chasing his teenage star and promised to do everything he can to keep Hughes at Derby.
"I think a few of the big boys are watching him which is a great compliment to him and the academy lads, but if they are we will do everything we can to hang on to him," Clough said.
"Early on, I thought they stopped him playing just through good closing down so we couldn't quite get him on the ball, but once the game opened up he was outstanding again.
"We were on the front foot early on and it was a very, very solid home performance. Apart from a small period in the game we played some excellent stuff today and the character and honesty of the players again shone through.
"Considering the rivalry (between Derby and Leeds), it's not a local derby in terms of miles but usually they are very tight games, as it was today, so to get eight straight victories is quite incredible."
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