Chelsea and Liverpool race to sign Bournemouth star after ‘certain exit’ claim
Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues are determined to land a deal for the 19-year-old.
However, they may find it difficult to complete a deal for the Spain international given the strength of interest from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea want to sign a new centre-back as a priority amid growing concerns about their defensive stability.
The Blues missed out on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo in January as he opted to sign a new contract at the City Ground, and are assessing alternative targets.
Huijsen has risen to the top of their list of targets after an impressive season for Bournemouth, and his £55million release clause has made him a viable option.
Dean Huijsen ‘certain’ to leave Bournemouth after Chelsea latest
Brown told Football Insider last month that Liverpool view Huijsen as their top target at centre-back as they prepare for the potential departure of Virgil van Dijk.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the defender will “certainly” leave Bournemouth this summer.
“He is a tremendous talent,” he told Football Insider.
“Every aspect of the game you want from a centre-half, he has got.
“He’s tall, slim, good in the air, good with the ball at his feet, quick, agile, he’s got it all.
“He looks like a real top-class player, so it’s not surprise there are a number of clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid having a look at him.
“Chelsea are the latest side to show and interest because they really need to strengthen at the back, and they’re prepared to battle other clubs for him.
“It might be difficult for them if Madrid or Liverpool are in for him, but he’s one they want.
“I think it’s almost certain he leaves Bournemouth this summer if you look at his contract.
“With a release clause in there, these clubs will have more incentive to pay it because £55million could be a bargain price in two or three years’ time.
“It would be a surprise to me if he didn’t go at this stage.”
Murillo and Huijsen on Enzo Maresca’s summer shortlist
Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea want to sign “the next John Terry” to resolve their defensive issues in the summer and are prepared to spend big on a deal.
Alongside their pursuit of Huijsen, their interest in Murillo has not faded despite his decision to remain at the City Ground during the January transfer window.
Forest are determined to keep hold of Murillo this summer and plan to bat off interest from the Blues as they prepare for next season’s Champions League campaign.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side view the Brazilian as a key target and could return in an effort to convince him of the move to Stamford Bridge.
For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.