Real Madrid ‘are confident of beating Chelsea’ to £50m Dean Huijsen signing – with Spanish giants ‘to offer a higher wage’ than Premier League side

Real Madrid have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Dean Huijsen this summer as their confidence grows over completing a deal, according to a report.

The Bournemouth defender is one of the most sought-after stars in Europe after excelling in his debut Premier League season, becoming a regular in the Cherries side and earning a maiden Spain call-up.

Having joined Bournemouth for around £13million last summer, Huijsen was initially playing a back-up role to Macros Senesi and Illia Zabarnyi before getting his chance and grabbing it with both hands.

The 20-year-old has played 34 times in all competitions, attracting interest from the Blues as well as the likes of Liverpool, while Madrid are keen to bring him back to his homeland. 

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have been busy looking for another defensive gem to potentially fill the void and have enquired about 6ft 3ins Nathan Zeze of Nantes, who has been capped by France at Under-21 level.

The Cherries appear resigned to losing their star defender this summer, but who to remains to be seen – though, according to The Telegraph, Madrid feel as though they are front-runners.

Huijsen could become one of Xabi Alonso’s first singings at Madrid as they look to move quickly to complete a deal

Chelsea are keen to sign a centre back this summer, though could miss out on one of their main targets in Huijsen

It is reported that Madrid would be prepared to offer Huijsen a significantly higher salary than Chelsea, with neither side having any problems matching the release clause, which could be paid in three installments.

Madrid are said to be moving quickly to try and complete a deal, and the defender could be one of Xabi Alonso’s first signings as Madrid boss when he takes over from Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season. It is also believed that Huijsen sees Madrid as an attractive proposition.

Chelsea are ready to splash the cash again this summer, with the Blues’ owners having spent well over £1billion since taking over in mid-2022. A central defender is thought to be high on their list of priorities.

The Blues are known admirers of Marc Guehi, while they are also watching Jorrel Hato and could be open to selling Wesley Fofana due to his injury record.

Axel Disasi should be sold once he returns from his loan at Aston Villa and Trevoh Chalobah could also be available for sale despite his improving performances.

Renato Veiga and Benoit Badiashile may also attract interest in the summer, while Aaron Anselmino should be allowed to leave on loan.

Chelsea quietly turned down a big bid from Bayern Munich for Levi Colwill last summer. It would have represented a chunk of pure profit, but they saw him as a rising star and still have high hopes for him.