Dean Huijsen's priority move revealed as Chelsea, Liverpool & Real Madrid chase deal
- Dean Huijsen commanding interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal & Newcastle
- Real Madrid & Bayern Munich also linked with Bournemouth centre-back
- Transfer expected to be completed this summer for £50m release clause
Four Premier League have been named as having "genuine interest" in Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, but the Spain international is tipped to "prioritise" another move instead.
Huijsen only recently turned 20 but has had a breakout season of epic proportion since last year's £12m move from Juventus. The young defender has been a key figure in Bournemouth's impressive campaign that has seen them set a new club record points tally with several games still left.
Although born in Netherlands, he was raised in Spain from a young age and made his senior international debut for his adopted country last month. Still a teenager at the time, he replaced fellow youngster Pau Cubarsi in a first leg clash with Netherlands and then started the return.
Those displays were reported to have "convinced" Real Madrid that Huijsen is the player they need, and were subsequently "encouraged" by early contact with his representatives.
BBC Sport has reported "genuine interest" from Chelsea Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United.
A report from The Telegraph claims that the Blues have "moved to the front of the queue" and now "leading that race" for Huijsen. His release clause, the existence of which the player himself has confirmed, stands at £50m and Chelsea are said to be willing to pay it.
Chelsea have longstanding interest and a particular plan for Huijsen – on the left of a centre-back pairing alongside Wesley Fofana – which they hope will be "attractive" to him, regardless of whether the Blues can immediately offer Champions League football or not. An existing relationship between Huijsen's agent and the club is also talked up as a factor in Chelsea's favour.
However, Sky Sports explicitly state that "Chelsea are not favourites", that the race is "wide open" and it is "too early" in the process to say which club Huijsen will join.
Both Sky and BBC state that Real Madrid would be the "priority" for Huijsen and that, contrary to Chelsea's hopes and what The Telegraph relayed, Champions League football is a "factor".
Beyond, England and Spain, Sky Sport Germany have reported Bayern Munich's interest.
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