Liverpool ‘accelerate plan to sign Dean Huijsen’ after Van Dijk latest
Liverpool are preparing to step up their interest in Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen in the summeras they look to strengthen at the back.
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 19-year-old is near the top of their list of defensive targets.
Amid uncertainty over the future of Virgil van Dijk, 33, Liverpool remain determined to keep him at the club and feel he would be an ideal mentor for Huijsen.
Football Insider revealed that no progress has been made towards a new deal for Van Dijk, who is out of contract at the end of the season as things stand.
Regardless of his future, though, they are keen to strengthen their options at the back as Arne Slot is keen to build a greater defensive foundation to his side.
Huijsen’s outstanding performances for Bournemouth so far this season have placed him firmly in their minds, with his ability on the ball and defensive qualities seen as valuable assets.
His £55million release clause has also made him an achievable target for the Reds, who will be willing to spend big if they feel it will benefit the team.
Liverpool want Dean Huijsen to play alongside Virgil van Dijk
Brown told Football Insider on 18 February that Liverpool are concerned about the inconsistent performances of Ibrahima Konate and have begun looking for a replacement.
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, explained that Huijsen is viewed as a potential replacement for Konate rather than Van Dijk.
“I get the feeling they’re not 100 per cent happy with Konate,” he told Football Insider.
“So if they think they can go and get someone better than him, I think they will do.
“I hear Dean Huijsen is high on their list of targets, he ticks a lot of boxes for them.
“I like what I’ve seen on him and have since day one at Bournemouth, each time I’ve seen him he seems to have all the assets you would want.
“He’s calm and assured in his work, he’s tall and good in the air, he’s quick on the ground and confident with the ball at his feet.
“He’s somebody who has all the assets of being a top centre-back.
“I think Liverpool see him playing alongside Van Dijk, who would be the ideal mentor really.
“His age and experience and quality would help Huijsen develop his game and having those two as a pairing would strengthen their defence.
“If he’s got this release clause in his contract, I don’t think the price would put Liverpool off.
“If they want a player and think he would strengthen Arne Slot’s side, they’ll go and get him.”
Arne Slot leading efforts to sign new centre-back at Anfield
Amid growing uncertainty over Van Dijk’s future, speculation about potential replacements is rife, with Huijsen the latest to be linked with the move.
However, Football Insider revealed on 16 February that Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back even if they can keep hold of their captain beyond the end of the season.
While potential replacements have been looked at and assessed, the plan for any incoming defender as things stand will be for them to play alongside the 33-year-old.
They are expected to table a formal contract offer before the season ends, but it will have no impact on their current recruitment plan whichever option he chooses.
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