Real Madrid are reportedly edging closer to completing the signing of Bournemouth and Spain defender Dean Huijsen.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after centre-backs in Europe having enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at the Vitality Stadium following his £12.5m move from Juventus last summer.
Huijsen has made 34 appearances for Bournemouth in all competitions, chipping in with three goals, and he has been an integral member of Andoni Iraola's side who remain in contention to qualify for Europe.
A host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with an interest in Huijsen, but they have all been joined in the race for his signature by La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Los Blancos scouts were allegedly in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to watch Huijsen score in Bournemouth's 2-1 comeback victory over Arsenal in the Premier League earlier this month.
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Real Madrid on verge of completing Huijsen signing
Real Madrid now appear to be leading the race for Huijsen as The Athletic reports that the Spanish side have activated the £50m (€59.3m) release clause in the defender's contract at Bournemouth.
The report adds that Los Blancos are in the process of finalising a deal to sign the youngster and his representatives have landed in Madrid to discuss personal terms and contract length.
Talks are said to be at an advanced stage as both clubs now have an agreement in principle over a structure to pay the £50m fee in three instalments, with Real Madrid working to conclude the deal swiftly.
It is claimed that Los Blancos want to sign Huijsen before they participate in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in the United States next month.
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Huijsen set to join Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid
Huijsen could soon become Real Madrid's second summer signing after Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to move to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer after announcing his decision to leave Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract.
The Dutch-born defender, who received his first international call-up to the senior Spain squad earlier this year and has earned two caps, is seemingly attracted by the opportunity to play in Spain.
Real Madrid are moving quickly to strengthen their injury-disrupted defence; while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both sidelined with long-term ACL injuries, 32-year-old duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba recently underwent surgery on season-ending knee injuries.
Los Blancos are also expected to announce the appointment of a new head coach in the form of Xabi Alonso, who is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti after he was recently unveiled as the new Brazil boss.
Oliver Thomas
