Liverpool identify Chelsea & Real Madrid target as Virgil van Dijk replacement | OneFootball

Liverpool have reportedly entered the competitive race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.

The Spanish defender is a man in demand. After being banished to train with Juventus' youth team until he accepted a £12.6m move to Bournemouth last summer, Huijsen has emerged as one of Europe's most highly sought-after young talents.

Real Madrid and Chelsea have been credited with long-term interest in the 19-year-old and now it appears that Liverpool are also vying for Huijsen's coveted signature, according to the Independent.

Chelsea are described as the Premier League side to have "made more progress" in their pursuit while Real Madrid are yet to sketch up any prospective deal. However, the Spanish giants boast an emotional advantage over their English counterparts.

Huijsen grew up idolising former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and recently admitted that he is "honoured" to have earned links to the record European champions.

Liverpool could be inclined to accelerate negotiations if Virgil van Dijk allows his contract to expire in the summer. The towering Dutch skipper has repeatedly insisted that nothing about his future has been decided, leaving the door open for a renewal or an exit.

The Reds are said to be "optimistic" that Van Dijk will extend his stay on Merseyside, but they may still need to recruit a new centre-back. Ibrahima Konate has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain while Newcastle United have flirted with deals for both Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah.

Huijsen is not the only Bournemouth gem keenly admired by Liverpool. Left-back Milos Kerkez has been relentlessly touted to arrive on Merseyside this summer, yet any move may be complicated by his steep £45m asking price. Such a fee would comfortably make the Hungary international the most expensive full-back in Liverpool's history.

Kerkez's teammate, by comparison, is thought to have a £50m release clause in his contract, which - if triggered - would remove Bournemouth from any negotiations.