Virgil van Dijk impact, Real Madrid interest - Liverpool face £50m Dean Huijsen transfer dilemma

Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing 19-year-old Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

Liverpool are reportedly facing competition from Real Madrid and Chelsea for the signature of Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen. The Spaniard has enjoyed a break-out season for the Cherries and, as a result, he's quickly becoming one of the most in-demand central defenders in Europe.

According to reports from The Independent, the Londoners and the Reds are "aiming" to sign the 19-year-old this summer. In recent weeks, it has been claimed that Los Blancos are also eyeing a move for the recent international with the La Liga giants monitoring the highly-rated defender.

In the report, Bournemouth are said to be bracing themselves for huge interest in some of their star players, with Liverpool-linked Milos Kerkez among them. Both names have caught the eye this season as they continue to shine in the Premier League and beyond.

Reds' sporting director Richard Hughes helped mould the Cherries into the dark-horse that they've become over recent seasons and it's been reported that Huijsen has a £50million release clause in his contract. Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be eyeing central defensive reinforcements, while both are speculated to have been working on a deal to bring him to their respective clubs.

The Independent notes that Chelsea chiefs are under the belief they have made more progress with the Spanish defender's future unclear. Meanwhile, at Anfield, their focus could change "dramatically" owing to Virgil van Dijk's contract situation.

The 33-year-old is among the three key Liverpool players that are facing an uncertain future on Merseyside with their current deals due to expire at the end of the season. Arne Slot's side are already facing speculation surrounding defender Trent Alexander-Arnold - with Real Madrid showing a keen interest in the full-back.

However, in the report, it has been suggested that no groundwork has begun on a prospective deal for Huijsen.

The 19-year-old hit the headlines recently after a podcast appearance, which captured the attention of Liverpool supporters. The Bournemouth starlet spoke glowingly about two of the current Reds stars - top-scorer Mohamed Salah and captain Van Dijk.

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