Dean Huijsen is a name that has become very familiar with Liverpool fans in recent weeks, with the defender emerging as a target for the Reds.

The AFC Bournemouth youngster has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool now eyeing Huijsen as a potential summer target to act as competition for the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

With Huijsen having a release clause this summer worth £50m, Liverpool would not have to break the bank to land the Spanish international, though the Reds do face competition from Real Madrid, who are also in the market for a centre-back.

Yet despite the allure Madrid have over a player like Huijsen, Liverpool could still be favourites to land the Bournemouth youngster.

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According to journalist David Lynch, Madrid are unlikely to push Liverpool for Huijsen this summer, giving the Reds essentially a free run at signing the Amsterdam-born defender, who could now be Anfield-bound in the coming weeks.

Lynch said on who could land Huijsen’s signature this summer: “The biggest spanner in the works could be Real Madrid, and by all accounts they would be the player’s preference because obviously he represents Spain and would love to play for Real Madrid.

“But it doesn’t seem at the moment like they’re gonna follow up on their interest.

That could leave Liverpool with a bit of a free run, and I think there’s no doubt that, if they do get that, Dean Huijsen would be a very smart signing.

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“From everyone you speak to, this is something that’s gonna be resolved quite early in the window, so maybe we won’t have to wait too long to find out if he’s gonna be a Liverpool player, but he is a very interesting potential target.”

With Liverpool also in pole position to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, the Cherries are quickly becoming a feeder club of sorts for the Reds, with Huijsen seemingly set to make the move to Merseyside as well during the transfer window.

And with Madrid unlikely to push for Huijsen this summer, Liverpool have a free pass to bring the 20-year-old centre-back to Anfield without any immediate competition for the defender, a situation that will be welcome by supporters.

Indeed, Huijsen’s capture will be a huge coup for Liverpool this summer, and the Reds will be smart to try and secure the defender’s services as soon as possible, especially with the youngster having a release clause worth just £50m.