Real Madrid target Bournemouth’s star 

Real Madrid have taken several steps forward in their hunt for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, and are prepared to pay the €58 million release clause to bring the defender to the Spanish capital.

Dean Huijsen has been on the radar of several European giants following a standout season at Bournemouth. Arsenal and Liverpool looked to be leading the race for the 20-year-old, but Real Madrid have now taken several steps forward to claim the pole position

‘The Telegraph’ reports that Los Blancos are prepared to trigger the €58 million release clause to acquire the Spaniard’s services from the Cherries, though Gianluca Di Marzio informs that the two Premier League sides, alongside Chelsea, remain in the hunt.

The Amsterdam-born player’s position and preference will be fundamental in determining where he ends up at the end of the campaign. It is understood that Huijsen’s agent is already in Madrid to hold talks with the club over and negotiate on personal terms.

With Trent-Alexander Arnold set to land in the Spanish capital after the expiration of his Liverpool contract in June, Los Blancos have eyed Huijsen as another addition to strengthen the defence, amid the ongoing injury woes that have hit the backline.

Xabi Alonso, who is set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, is said to be pushing the 15-time Champions League winners to sign a centre-back before his expected arrival in time for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14.